Kudumbashree is slated to ink a landmark MoU this month with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) which will allow the women’s self-help group to provide a vast array of services from catering to plumbing. Kudumbashree will supply at least 900 trained workers in the first phase to man tasks at metro stations such as cleaning, catering, customer relations, crowd management, security services, plumbing and electrical works. “This would make it the first metro, probably in the whole world, to be dominated by a women workforce,” said Kudumbashree executive director K.B. Valsala Kumari. KMRL will decide how many have to be deployed at each station, she said.
The MoU has already got government approval. Under this, training will begin shortly for the workforce at the regional level. Those who need specialised training in handling machinery will be trained by the equipment manufacturers.
“Already, Kudumbasree has trained a group of 220 women as masons, plumbers, electricians etc., utilising a Rs 95-lakh Hudco aid and the services of the best from among them would be utilised for the metro. Training for others will begin soon so that they are professionally equipped to serve the metro from February (when trial run of trains is expected to begin). They will neither be our employees nor of KMRL and can be deselected if need be, to ensure professionalism,” Ms. Kumari said.
Feeder taxi service
The group will is also gearing up to operate feeder-taxi services for the metro called Kudumbasree Travels. “Fifty women drivers will be selected initially from among the applicants,” Ms. Kumari said.
Officials in KMRL said that they intend to rely on the Kudumbasree workforce deputed for customer relations to help and guide metro commuters, especially aged people, women and children. Another group of women entrusted with security duties will inspect bags and ensure safety of metro stations. Others will man kiosks where tickets are sold.
“We have identified an agency to train them in hospitality and other relevant skills. Once engaged by the metro, they will be given uniforms that would adhere to airport standards,” she said.
Women enrolled with Kudumbasree will also be relied on to provide cut vegetables and ready-to-eat food at stalls in metro stations.
