KSRTC opens doors to more women conductors

KOCHI: The womenfolk seem to be showing an increased interest in taking up jobs in the KSRTC, with the Corporation appointing around 20 women conductors this year to the post of conductors in the district.This is twice last year’s figures. According to KSRTC officials at the Ernakulam depot, the comparative rise in the number of women in the posts is encouraging as women are slowly proving to be at par or even better than their male counterparts. “Women are more patient and they are proved to be smarter at handling passengers,”  Sebastian Thomas Ernakulam Zonal Officer, KSRTC said.Of the 700 conductors who were called for interviews from various employment exchanges, more than fifty were women. According to officials who conducted the interview, this year’s revised wages is one of the reasons for more women opting for the job. “The KSRTC has increased the daily wages of the conductors from `280 to `310 per shift,” Sebastian said. Conductors in the KSRTC work double shifts amounting to 14 hours each day. This prospect of double wages and a four-day working week seems attractive. “Most of these women are highly qualified and are below 30 years. Lack of other job opportunities are pushing them to grab this opportunity,” he said.“Also, some of them feel that one day their jobs will become permanent.” He said that most of the interviewed  women seemed unconcerned about the challenges of the job. “They liked the idea of travelling and some of them found it quite thrilling.”