Have you heard of an owner of a BMW car taking up a modest-paying part time driver’s job to be able to drive other high-end cars? *Shilpi, a college student, has done just that. She works as a part time driver at a call driver service company in Chennai.
At the other end of the spectrum, there is *Kamakshi who has taken up the job of a driver to augment her family’s income.
Shilipi and Kamakshi find themselves in polar situations and have different expectations from life, but both of them are part of a novel initiative.
They work for Chennai Women Drivers, an all-women call driver service, believed to be the first-of-its-kind in the city.
Mohammed Nawaz, managing director of the company, launched this venture six months ago and now has 300 women drivers on his payroll.
“Each of them earns a minimum of Rs.20,000 a month. Monthly returns from call driver services involving a high-end car is around Rs.40,000, nearly 90 per cent of which is given to the driver,” he says.
This all-women drivers’ team primarily works for women, including the elderly, pregnant women or those who need drivers for essential services.
‘Safety ensured’ “We exercise discretion in the choice of customers. For us, the safety of our drivers is paramount,” says Mr. Nawaz.
“We ensure that our women drivers are treated with dignity. We make it clear to the customers that they cannot be asked to carry luggage or do other chores.
The drivers are not asked to wear uniforms. This venture is a step towards empowering women,” he says.
“We run a background check on our customers and drivers,” Nawaz adds. Some of those who have availed this service offer positive testimonies.
“I feel so secure and comfortable with the women drivers. I do not have to be bothered about issues such as safety,” says Priya Menon, who has been using this service for the last two months.
Venkatesh Raja, owner of Vibrant Movies, says that the car used by his wife and children is being driven by women call drivers.
“Initially, I was sceptical about how safely they can handle my costly car. And then I noticed that they are better than their male counterparts,” says Mr. Raja.
Those who wish to avail the service have to mail to booking@chennaiwomendrivers.com with their requirements.
