More women becoming self-reliant in Ranchi, thanks to pink auto scheme

A scheme initiated by the Jharkhand Police is becoming a boon for many destitute women in the state capital. Several women have weaved for themselves a new story of self-reliance and courage by driving pink autos.

Ranchi (Jharkhand): Women in Ranchi have set an example of courage and self-reliance in society. Among these women drivers, the story of one Manju Devi is truly inspiring, as despite having lost her husband, she set herself on a path to be independent and support her family by driving pink autos, which are exclusively for women.

After the death of her husband in 2013, the responsibility of raising the family and children suddenly fell on Manju's shoulder. It was then that the pink rickshaw scheme initiated by the Jharkhand Police turned a boon for her. Manju made a new beginning and never had to look back, she is now fondly called by locals as Autowali Didi.

There are 45 such pink autos being run exclusively for women in the capital, most of which are driven by women. Reena, who drives Pink Auto, says that the scheme has helped her earn money as well as freedom, which is not available in the case of a job.

Clearly, happiness is visible on the faces of these women who earn up to 1,000 rupees every day by driving autos. Many women have their own auto, while some are driving the auto on rent. After learning to drive autos, so far five women have gone to Jamshedpur and other cities to operate heavy vehicles, such as dumpers and earn higher wages.

Expressing happiness over the increasing number of women driving Pink Auto, with the backing of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Mayor Asha Lakra has said that women have become self-reliant and that the scheme has turned out to be a major source of employment for women.