The Kudumbasree Mission is set to start a new innings in Idukki, with women at the wheel of autorickshaws.

Eighteen women in Thodupuzha will soon get their driving licence.

Shine M. Cyriac, assistant district mission coordinator, told The Hindu on Monday that the beneficiaries had been selected from Thodupuzha municipality and the grama panchayats of Karinkunnam, Karimannur, Udumpannur, Vannapuram, Purapuzha, Manakkad, and Arakulam.

If successful, the other grama panchayats too would soon have autorickshaws of the Kudumbasree Mission, he said.

“The mission runs a taxi service in Thriruvanathapuram, where it is a success,” he said. But Idukki, with greater tourism potential, has so far not introduced Shetaxis.

“Hence there is scope for women autorickshaws. These will ensure safe journey, especially for single women passengers,” he said.

Mr. Cyriac said Kudumbasree would provide training in driving and arrange for loans to purchase autorickshaws. The feasibility of introducing women drivers in other areas would be looked into, he said.

Shanty Avarchan of Manakkadu, a member of the mission, said she learnt driving as it would give an additional income to her family of four.

Jaya Pramod of Edavetty said she loved driving, like any other work, and it would be an additional income to support the family.

“For a poor family, an autorickshaw is always a bread-earner.”

• Kudumbasree to provide training in driving
• Feasibility of scheme in other districts to be studied

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Kerala / by Giji K. Raman / Kattappana – April 07th, 2015