servation policy for women, we have several posts vacant for bus drivers. We do not know why there is such reluctance on the part of the women to become drivers, but we have gone to the extent of arranging special training for women drivers if we get candidates. We want the women to come forward and take up these posts and to encourage them, we also have several incentives. The department also feels that since women have done so well in other fields they will outdo themselves here. Sadly, we are still waiting." But in the case of conductors there have been a large number of women applicants, though there is currently a freeze on their recruitment. Sharief says that after KSRTC reducted the height criterion for women conductors, a large number of women applied. "But because of the problem concerning grace marks for rural reservations, and the HC and SC rulings, we are not in a position to recruit women conductors right now. We have 264 women conductors on our rolls and not a single woman driver," he adds. Divisional controller KSRTC Bangalore Division, Paramesh, says that the women conductors have fitted well into their jobs, "Other states have women drivers who are doing really well. Contrary to the common belief that women are not good drivers, they are very cautious and have good road sense. The job of a driver requires a lot of commitment and we know that women can do it." "It is a strenuous job and there is a lot of risk as so many lives are in your hand. Bus drivers are often accused of being rash and in case of accidents, the mob does not spare them. Women drivers will have a doubly tough job as there are late hours and strenuous shifts," says a woman conductor from Depot no 4, who gave up her dreams of becoming a driver because of family pressure and opted to become a conductor instead. But Sharief clarifies that while the training for the women will be at par with men, certain provisions will me made for them keeping in mind fam...
