Drivers looking for greener pastures and leaving has led to many vacancies in the free hearse van service manned by Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS).
In the three districts of Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur there are 60 vacancies. The service, manned by the society for the State government, requires five drivers for every two vans. The three districts have 29 vehicles and recently Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had handed over the keys of eight more vehicles.
“Many drivers keep leaving because of better pay and other avenues in the private sector. Though our pay is quite competitive, and they get a monthly salary of Rs. 8,300 and an incentive of Rs. 1,460, they prefer jobs with shorter work hours and more pay,” said a source in the IRCS.
The service was launched in February 2011 to transport the dead from government hospitals to their homes/native places or to burial grounds free of cost. It can be availed by dialling 155377.
A press release from the Chennai district dollector said that the IRCS, Tamil Nadu branch, will organize a recruitment drive for drivers on Friday at their office at 32 / 50, Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai. Male candidates, who have passed class VIII, are between 25 to 45 years of age and possessing a public vehicle driving licence and badge can apply. For information, call 044 – 42147572.
