from our special correspondent Ares in Panaji
Panaji, Feb 17: She is the only woman conductor in the private sector in the state, who is now fighting all odds to survive in this male domain.
The story of Angelina Fernandes e Coutinho is a tale of government apathy and extreme neglect by the transport department officials. Fighting it out for almost seven years now, Angelina is little short of giving up the occupation, which she had taken to support her ailing family.
"I purchased a bus in 2000. I myself got a licence as conductor and began working on the bus. After initial curious looks, I managed to settle in the trade but my happiness did not last for long," Angelina said.
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Plying her bus on route Margao-Telaulim via Siquetim, Angelina, in her mid-30s, is facing all odds. Encroachment into her timings by other bus operators, coupled with the care-a-damn attitude by transport department led her to the brink. "My husband, who is differently abled, has supported me throughout... It is because of him that I managed to sail through rough patch but this male-dominated trade refuses to accept a woman," she says.
Clad in khaki shorts and a shirt, Angelina fits all rules of transport department. She has even completed the course mandatory for a bus conductor.
"I have petitioned four times to the assistant director, transport, Margao complaining about the harassment but every time I complain, I am fined for complaining," she rues.
The state government, on the other hand, showed usual lack of sensitivity towards Angelina's problems. "There are so many complaints about the bus timings. My officers can't go into all those complaints," said transport minister Pandurang Madkaikar in response to Angelina's case.
"If it is a case of sexual harassment, let Angelina go to the police. If she is complaining as a bus operator than transport department can look into the matter. We have hundreds of such complaints to look after," the transport minister said.
The assistant directo concerned at the transport department was not available for comment in his Margao office. Also, director transport Mihir Vardhan could not be reached.
"I will struggle. I will fight out but won't leave the trade. I have cried so many times over the harassment I face but every morning I get up with a zeal to fight back," Angelina commented.
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