Womens auto stand proves popular in Kochi

Most travelers in Kochi are looking for auto-stands exclusively managed by women. They feel that they will not have to pay anything more than what is prescribed, and there would be no harassment.

By Juhan Samuel

Kochi (Kerala), Oct 2 : Most travelers in Kochi are looking for auto-stands exclusively managed by women. They feel that they will not have to pay anything more than what is prescribed, and there would be no harassment.

This is the latest instance of empowerment of Malayali women, who have been pioneers in many fields in the country. They are now managing and running an exclusive all-women auto stand with a self-help group for women called the 'Kudubashree'.

Their aim is to create more opportunities and uplift the status of women in the society, particularly in their own village.

In a small village called Thrikkakkra near the city, nearly a dozen women have taken on the task of running auto rickshaws and providing transportation to locals.

The initiative has been taken by the village council under a development programme for women.

Denil Kumar, a project coordinator, said, "The main motto is to provide them a good place not only in the society but also in their own village so that many other women can follow the same path in the coming future."

The project was kicked off by handing the keys of 12 auto rickshaws to women drivers, specially selected from lower income group families in and around the village.

The total amount of Rs. 1.6 lakh to purchase one auto rickshaw has been jointly financed by a bank and the village council, with each woman driver putting in Rs. 14,000.

Each of the women drivers has been given training before being allotted an auto.

These women manage to earn around Rs. 250 in a day after taking off petrol expenses. This amount, they say is good for taking care of their families.

"Earlier, we had to depend on our husbands. Now we can earn a good income." said Jaya Suresh.

The self-help group is now working towards providing other women in the village with load bearing auto rickshaws and even a mini bus, to take shuttle services to other nearby villages.

ANI