VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is conducting self-defence classes for women conductors to infuse a sense of confidence and boldness in them.
As a part of this exercise, karate classes were started in January, 2013 at the Zonal Training Academy at Gannavaram. A new session will begin next week. Nearly 1,300 women conductors in the Vijayawada Zone have been divided into different batches, each consisting of 64 members ensuring that each bus depot has at least two batches. The fundamentals of karate have already been imparted to 1,200 women conductors.
APSRTC Zonal Training Academy principal KB Sainath said that sometimes women have to travel to deserted places so it is necessary for them to be equipped with martial arts, to save themselves in difficult times.
“The APSRTC always strives for the safety and comfort of women conductors. We are not providing training to those who are above 40 years of age,” he added. A conductor attached to a city bus depot N Swathi said karate has multi-pronged benefits. “This training is providing us more confidence to face eve-teasers,” she added.
During the training period, the learners were being put through a rigorous two-hour exercise, K Naga Lakshmi, another conductor hailing from the city said. “My karate course was completed last.
Eventhough it was hard, we have benefited from the training,” she said with confidence writ large on her face. The APSRTC is also conducting yoga and karate classes for the drivers and men conductors.