Seeing her husband drive an autorickshaw for many years, 32-year-old J. Swarna always wanted to drive an autorickshaw and support the family. Given the financial constraints, she could not think of pursuing her dream but all that it is history.
Thanks to the initiative of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation’s (VMC) , she is now attending the free auto driving training programme and is raring to go.
Free training
The VMC in collaboration Garapati Kanumilli Charities is conducting the free training exclusively for women at Nulakapeta on the city fringes.“Initially my family was against the idea of auto driving but since this being a government sponsored programme, they accepted. My husband is also supporting,” says an elated Swarna at the training ground.
Like her, 45 other unemployed women aged between 20 and 40 years have also enrolled into the training programme. “It is like self-employment. Women today are making a mark in every field and auto field is no exception. Government is providing loans for purchasing auto and driving licences also, hence I joined the programme,” says 32-year-old K. Dhanalaxmi.
“There is a lot of potential to earn in auto field. Most women are uncomfortable to board autos due to security concerns and drivers’ behaviour. But when a woman driver takes the wheel, I don’t think there will be such issues,” adds A. Jhansi, another trainee.
It is a 45-day training programme. After completing the 3-day theory classes, women are presently undergoing practical training. Apart from driving, women would be trained in attending minor repairs, regular maintenance, behaviour towards customers and other aspects, said Bhasker, programme coordinator from Garapati Kanumilli Charities. VMC Women Empowerment Committee members visited Nulakapeta to check the training session and speak to the trainees.
“They are all confident and raring to go,” said Chennupati Usharani, a committee member.
New permits
However, trainees are apprehensive about the Transport Department issuing new permits to drive autorickshaws in the city. VMC Commissioner G. Veerapandian said the issue will be taken up with the senior department officials and ensure the successful trainees are issued permits.
