So far, out of more than 800 apparel manufacturing units in Bengaluru, only 1 factory has come forward to avail the benefit of free bus pass scheme of Karnataka Government, which will benefit 15 of its employees. This shows that the scheme has got a lukewarm response, while it could have been a major support for the women workers.
Three weeks back, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) had come up with ‘Vanitha Sangathi’ – a free monthly bus pass initiative for women garment workers.
The BMTC had estimated that around 3 lakh workers would benefit from the scheme.
Also Read: Free bus passes for women workers in Bengaluru
Under this scheme, apparel manufacturing units and the State Government would cover 40 per cent each of the cost and the BMTC, 20 per cent. An ordinary monthly bus pass costs Rs. 1,050.
Workers have been hearing about this scheme for six years and finally, it was launched last month. The expectations of the Government from the management of garment firms to share 40 per cent of the cost – that is Rs. 400 per worker – is also one of the reasons why it is not benefiting the needy.
The workers are not in a position to question why their management is not paying for the free passes.
Jayaram KR, Legal Advisor of the Garments and Textile Workers Union, is of the opinion that the scheme has failed because the authorities are asking the garment factory managements to submit the list of beneficiaries. Instead, they should have asked the women employees to submit applications directly by providing their details, including Aadhaar card, ESI and others, to the Board.
After verifying it with the managements concerned and receiving their share, passes should have been issued to the beneficiaries. If one entrusts the responsibility to the managements, poor women workers will not get benefitted.
It is also pertinent to mention here that some workers of the apparel manufacturing units rent houses near their factories and walk to their workplace. Many rely on other modes of transport such as auto-rickshaws by paying a fixed amount per month. The city buses cannot drop them at the doorstep of the factory as they are located in interior parts of the city. The free bus pass facility is likely to benefit those who are working in the outskirts of the city.
