Why aren't women employees in Bengaluru receiving free bus passes
_large.jpg)
11 January 2022, Mumbai:
Only one factory has stepped forward to take advantage of the Karnataka Government's free bus ticket initiative, which will benefit 15 of its employees, out of more than 800 garment manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru.
This demonstrates that the initiative has received a tepid reception, despite the fact that it might have been a huge help to women employees. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) launched 'Vanitha Sangathi', a free monthly bus ticket scheme for women textile workers, three weeks ago. The BMTC predicted that the plan will help roughly 3 lakh workers.
Apparel manufacturing companies and the state government would each bear 40% of the cost, while the BMTC would cover 20%. The cost of a regular monthly bus pass is Rs. 1,050.
Workers had known about this programme for six years, and it was finally implemented last month. One of the reasons why it is not benefiting the poor is the government's requirement of the garment industry's management to contribute 40% of the cost - or Rs. 400 per worker. The employees have no way of knowing why their bosses are not paying for the free passes.
Jayaram KR, Legal Advisor of the Garments and Textile Workers Union, is of the opinion that the plan has failed since the authorities are requiring the garment factory managements to furnish the list of beneficiaries.
Instead, they could have urged the female workers to submit applications directly to the Board by supplying their personal information, such as their Aadhaar card, ESI, and other documents.
Passes should have been provided to the beneficiaries after verification with the respective managements and receipt of their share. Poor women employees will not profit if the task is delegated to management.
It's also worth noting that some workers in the textile manufacturing industry rent residences close to their plants and walk to work. Many people rely on alternative kinds of transportation, such as auto-rickshaws, for which they pay a monthly fee. Because the facility is located in the city's interior, public buses are unable to drop them off at the factory's doorstep.
Those who work on the outskirts of town are likely to gain from the free bus pass programme.
