Chennai, 6 November (H.S.) : The women auto drivers of Chennai have successfully formed and registered Veera Pengal Munnetra Sangam (VPMS), which is now recognised as India's first registered union for women auto drivers.
The collective currently boasts a membership of approximately 400 women, many of whom are single parents, demonstrating that the formation of the union is a necessary step to combat a wide array of challenges.
These obstacles include gender discrimination, health issues, financial burdens such as interest-heavy loans, and a notable lack of access to public toilets and designated auto stands for women.
VPMS President A Mohanasundari stated that male drivers often do not allow them to park at common auto stands near malls and Metro stations, a problem the union is actively working to resolve. She added that while their struggles continue, the union and an associated 25-member cooperative society are providing them with dignity and hope.
The women's initial plan for the cooperative society, which involves buying spare parts and oil wholesale to sell retail for extra income, previously won first prize in the IIM-Kozhikode's Women Start-up Programme. The cooperative's profits are intended to provide a stronger financial base, helping with expenses like children's education and vehicle purchases.
The union has established strong internal support systems, which they refer to as an irumbu kottai (iron fortress), following an incident where a deceased driver’s mother received only a small collection from fellow drivers.
By contributing a regular amount, members now have access to crucial benefits, including a ₹10 lakh insurance cover in case of a driver’s death, low-interest loans, and financial aid for those who are unable to work due to sickness or accident.
Mohanasundari expressed a desire for acknowledgment, stating, “We want CM Stalin to encourage us. We want younger women drivers to have a better future than us,” seeking inspiration for all independent working women.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
