Proving that things like age, gender, educational qualifications and social stigma play no role while making decisions for the sustainability of the family; a homemaker has now taken to driving a toto to support her family. Alka Murmu, an indigenous woman from the Junglemahal area of South Bankura, West Bengal, has become well-known as a toto driver in Ranibandh. Toto is a colloquial Bengali term for the e-rickshaw operating on batteries.
Alka faced significant challenges at the start of her endeavour. There were a lot of detractors and many people were sceptical about a homemaker driving a toto, some even making disparaging remarks behind her back. Despite this, Alka, from the Junglemahal region, ignored the negativity. With an ill mother-in-law at home and the increasing costs of educating her two school-going sons, daily expenses were rising. Alka’s husband could only earn a modest income from farming a small plot of land, making it difficult to sustain the family.
About a year and a half ago, Alka decided to step up and drive a toto, overcoming all obstacles to support her family. Now in her mid-thirties and with only a seventh-grade education, she skillfully manages both her home and her job as a toto driver. Her ability to balance both roles has earned her respect from family members and neighbours alike.
Each morning, after completing her household duties and cooking, Alka sets out with her toto towards the Ranibandh market, which is seven kilometres away. She earns around Rs 500 a day from driving, and while there were initial hurdles, things are now running smoothly. However, given the remote rural location, not everyone can pay the full fare, but fellow toto drivers in Ranibandh have been very supportive. Local teacher Baburam Kisku has praised Alka as an inspiring example and commended her efforts to manage her family.
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