Pune: The Maharashtra Government has selected tribal women for driving the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses, which is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
On Friday, former President Pratibha Patel inaugurated the corporation’s initiative to tran and employ woemn as bus drivers.
About 163 women have been selected and will undergo training for driving heavy vehicles and later be inducted as drivers in the state-run bus service.
Pratibha Patil said, ” Providing education to women and taking them forward towards development is something that will take us as nation forward,” adding that tribal community is an important part of “our culture”. Patil also suggested to ensure the safety of the women drivers and provide with a safe place during their night stay in case they have to stay outside.
These women hail from different tribal parts of the state including Gadchiroli, Vardha, Bhandara-Gondiya districts.