Conceptualising a strong and healthy society and State at large one has to have women equally empowered and supported against their men counterpart in the society. A just society always caters an environment where women can easily develop their independent identities one may come across several such instances where women being empowered and supported by society and families to run their life independently.
The lives of few strong women working with the Central Coalfields limited (CCl) are today examples before society as they have not only made her lives stronger enough to support their family but also for others in their society even after losing their closest kin.
Jobs on compassionate grounds have changed the lives of some women CCl. They have been daring to do duties which require extreme physical strength. Interestingly, their children have been the motivational secret for this unique effort.
CCl felicitated these women for their outstanding performance on the occasion of International Women’s Day celebrated in Vichar Manch on Monday.
“After my husband’s death in 1984, I got his job but life was never easy. CCl gave me the job of Drill Operator. It is all about working in a dusty atmosphere. I have been suffering from cough and cold for last two decades. There is no other option of tackling the problem except for taking medicines regularly,” said 45 year old Pandwa Devi posted at latehar.
Devi who is now accustomed in the atmosphere felt it is important to encourage women in such challenging fields. “Government job matters so women should not hesitate accepting any work in hazardous conditions,” she said.
like Devi, 38 year old Duggi Kumari got the job of a lethe Turner after her mother’s death. “I do a man’s duty. My work requires physical strength. I have been working in a coal unit of CCl at Hazaribag for past 18 years. My family has always encouraged to work. Infact, it was my designation which impressed my in-laws. Today, my unemployed husband takes care of daughter and household activities and I earn for the entire family,” Kumari said.
Another lethe Turner Surya lakra’s aged 43 years posted at Khalari wants to educate her daughters with the risky job. “I had no other job alternative when my husband passed away. But, my daughters are free to live their life. Presently, they are intermediate students and aspire to become doctor or nurse,” lakra said.
Among these ladies, Opli Devi aged 50 years, probably the senior in the lowest grade honoured employee said she wants to take voluntary retirement from her service. She is involved with iron machine at Bokaro. “I am fortunate that CCl gave me a job but now my health is deteriorating and my son deserves the same job,” she said.
Unlike, the women working like men, Yashodhara, senior nurse at CCl Gandhinagar said her age and health is no where affecting her zeal to work more. “I am not young but my children are. My younger son and daughter are disabled. I want to settle them because they want to live like normal human beings. My daughter is pursuing her PG in Human Rights. I want her to become a teacher,” said the Senior Nurse.