In a step that could go a long way in making taxis safe for women, the State’s Road Transport Authority (RTA) is all set to start a new scheme to encourage women cabbies. Online applications have been invited from women drivers to register, and till Monday, 33 women had approached the RTA, officials said.
“The name of the scheme has not yet been decided, but as of now, we are calling it ‘She Cabs’. Once we receive all the applications, we will work out the modalities and then fix an apt name after the review committee comes up with one,” a senior RTA official said. He said the department expected at least 50 women to enrol, and that more were welcome.
Under the scheme, any woman with a regular car driver’s license or a transport license, and who has a minimum educational qualification of Class VIII, can register with the RTA under the scheme. Other modalities are being worked out by the departments of transport, women and child welfare, and police.
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“We will issue a transport license to those who don’t have one and a badge once they start operating the taxis. After registration, the State government will assess their applications and provide a loan to the interested candidates,” a senior official explained.
RTA Joint Commissioner B. Venkateswarulu said the concept was similar to that being followed in Kerala, where there were women cab drivers.
“This is being done keeping in mind the incident that took place in Delhi. So we have invited women candidates here as well,” he said.
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The last date to register is December 20, after which their forms will be reviewed, another official said.
Bala Laxmi, who was a part-time driver earlier, was one among the many who approached RTA officials to enquire about the scheme.
“I used to drive cars for Green Cabs previously, and I used to drop schoolchildren home. I came here with a friend of mine, who also wants to take this up,” she said.