Women volunteers man traffic
EMPOWERMENT The arrangement is part of a joint initiative by traffic police and an NGO to ensure smooth traffic and provide livelihood to women
Commuters passing through the Bandariyabagh crossing on Wednesday noon had a pleasant surprise when ‘virangana cops’ guided them through the heavy traffic.
Unlike regular days, a few girls and women associated with an NGO, smartly dressed in blue & white attires with fluorescent jackets on, were deployed to man traffic at the busy crossing.
This was part of a joint initiative of traffic police and NGO ‘Ummeed Sanstha’ to ensure smooth vehicular movement and also to provide livelihood to the women in 18-35 age group. “It’s an attempt to make them self-reliant and at the same time to keep the city congestion free,” said Manu Singh, co-coordinator, ‘Ummeed Sanstha’ that encourages women empowerment.
On an experimental basis, only four prime crossings were included in the drive. These include DSO crossing, Golf Club, Lal Batti and Bandariya Bagh crossing. “At all the crossings, the girls are managing traffic under the supervision of traffic cops,” said Singh.
The girls report at General Post Office (GPO) around 8:30am, from where they are guided to their respective crossings, said Singh. “They work in 8-hour shifts that is commendable. Braving pollution, blazing sun and blaring horns is no easy task,” said a traffic cop at Bandariyabagh crossing.
However, the volunteers find it an easy task. “It may seem tough but we are actually enjoying. It’s the most interesting job for me,” said Ankita Singh, a volunteer deputed at the Bandariyabagh crossing.
She said initially commuters seemed reluctant to follow commands but things changed later. “When commuters follow our commands, it gives us a feeling of pride and satisfaction. It’s a responsible job as we have to make sure that our commands are clear and perfect,” added Singh who has a 10-year-old daughter.
Sudha Verma, a native of Barabanki too echoed similar views. She said managing traffic, especially VIP movement, is a satisfying job. “We are proud that we are contributing to the society,” she said.
For the services, the volunteers get around Rs 8,000 per month. Associates with the NGO said the salary is funded by sponsors.
“Finding sponsors is not an easy task. Initially, traffic police demanded 100 volunteers. But since we have only 18 sponsors as of now, we could manage only 20 volunteers. We are looking forward to some more sponsors, so that the salary of the volunteers could be managed,” said an NGO associate.SSP Manzil Saini said, “The volunteers are roped in to ensure smooth vehicular movement at prime crossings. It will also add to the strength of traffic cops that is far less than the required strength.”