The 12 ladies who made a history in Ranchi by becoming the first females to drive pink autos exclusively for their own gender early this year, are now feeling contented for opting this ‘unique career’. Majority of them hailing from Below Poverty line (BPl) families are happy as they are capable of bearing the education expenses of their children.
Explaining this social transformation, 27 year old Usha Oraon who earlier used to be a maid in her locality said, “My husband is a plumber but he often has to spend the day without work. With two children it was hard for me to imagine a promising future for our entire family. This driving job proved a blessing for us. Now I can pay the school fees of my children on time and I do not have to think twice in managing the basic necessities of all.”
Oraon is known for her loyalty and because of this reason her neighbours requested her to continue the job of maid. She does the maid service in the morning and devotes the daytime in driving.A similar change is noticed in 30 year old Viras Devi’s life. The former woman daily wage labourer finds this road driving a ‘well-to-do job’ for females like her. “I am glad that I can support my family economically like my husband. My four children proudly tell their friends that their mother is a pink auto driver. It feels great to have this accomplishment. Even my husband does not hesitate in telling everyone that I am helping him in true terms,”
Devi said. 25-year-old Sunita Tigga is not only getting the support of her husband, mother and children but has also become an inspiration among her in-laws. “My mother-in law appreciates my driving skills. Though, I cannot give them sufficient time but she is happy that her daughter-in-law has chosen the same career that her son is doing. Women in our poverty centric society rarely get this honour from in-laws,” Sunita said.
She further added, “Pink autos have definitely reduced the sexual harassment incidents which were dealt by women in black autos. Our passengers often discuss the successful running of pink autos within the city.”
In the month of February, when the launch of pink autos had not even completed a month, black auto drivers (males) used to pass lewd comments on these women since young girls and aged women would prefer commuting on the black autos.The popularity of pink autos is clearly visible in the recent updated status and photo albums of some of the state capital women’s Facebook timelines.
Noticing, this ‘popular preference’, the pink auto members have extended their driving time in the evening. They are seen on the roads with packed passengers from 7 am to 8 or 9 pm.