ASTC: In a first, ASTC inducts 12 female conductors |

In a groundbreaking move, the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) has taken a significant step towards gender equality by hiring 12 female bus conductors for the first time. This initiative aims to challenge traditional norms in a field that has historically been dominated by males. ASTC’s Managing Director, Rahul Das, highlighted that these female recruits are currently undergoing training to familiarize themselves with essential tasks such as route navigation, ticketing, fare collection, communication, and conflict resolution. Upon completion of their training, they will receive conductor licenses.

The decision to introduce female bus conductors was spurred by the introduction of electric buses in the city. ASTC has outsourced its operations to RBEE enterprises, which is responsible for hiring employees for the electric buses. This move is expected to enhance the overall passenger experience and make the public transportation system more inclusive.

This initiative is currently in a trial phase, with plans to deploy an additional 40 female employees in the coming months. While the minimum qualification for the job is a high school diploma, many of the candidates possess higher educational qualifications, including master’s degrees. These employees will not only receive a competitive salary but also incentives based on ticket sales performance. Additionally, they will be entitled to provident fund and employee state insurance benefits.

In related news, recent articles have highlighted other noteworthy developments: 80% of Mphasis employees are engaging in additional gigs through Geek Cloud, University of Madras staff received their salaries after a strike, and a collection of poems titled ‘Conductor Kavitegalu’ sheds light on the lives of bus conductors. These articles showcase the diverse and evolving landscape of employment and transportation in various sectors.

Overall, the inclusion of female bus conductors in ASTC marks a progressive step towards gender equality and diversity in the public transportation sector. This move not only empowers women but also enriches the overall commuter experience.