The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) launched Pink Auto Service exclusively of women autorickshaw drivers to cater only to women passengers in the city on Sunday. In a move to empower women, SMC trained, identified and even assisted these women to get loans from banks to buy their own vehicle to earn them a living.
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“We have a batch of 70 women and 15 are ready to begin work. They have licence and we also helped them to get work from schools in the area. We have concentrated on girls schools and girl students for women drivers,” said Gayatri Jariwala, assistant commissioner, in-charge, urban community development department, SMC.
“They can easily pay their monthly instalment to the bank and also save enough money. We everyday read about harassment of women commuters in different cities. This is why we thought of this service which not only provides employment to women but ensures safe travel for female passengers,” Jariwala said reported TOI.
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While men of the batch will be ready to drive on the road in the coming months, it is expected that these 15 women would be able to earn at least Rs 18,000 per month by ferrying schoolchildren and later passengers in the city.
Chief minister Vijay Rupani inaugurated the Pink Auto Service at Dr Shyama Prasad Community Hall, Aye Mata Chowk, Magob Dumbhal Road here on Sunday. The chief minister is expected to inaugurate projects worth Rs 1,007 crore during the day in the city.
