Shivneri Sundari: Maharashtra transport plan rejected for objectifying women
The recent decision of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to deploy women bus conductors, called ‘Shivneri Sundari’, on e-Shivneri buses plying between Pune and Mumbai has attracted a lot of criticism. The initiative, aimed at offering airline-style hospitality services on board, has been branded “regressive” and “objectifying women” by several passengers, activists and political leaders. Many argue that the state-run transport company should focus on improving its essential services instead of implementing such policies The Indian Express.
The controversial move was announced after Bharat Gogavale, the newly appointed chairman of MSRTC, chaired the 304th board meeting where the introduction of women attendants in Shivneri buses was discussed and approved. The company, inspired by the hospitality services offered by airlines, plans to employ female attendants without imposing additional surcharges on passengers. Following the announcement, MSRTC’s official X-handle posted an image of a female staff member to promote the initiative.
However, the decision faced backlash, with critics questioning its relevance amid other pressing issues plaguing the MSRTC. Many passengers have voiced their dissent, calling it a misguided effort that undermines women’s empowerment.
MSRTC Public Relations Officer Abhijit Bhosle clarified that the project is still in the preliminary stages and the recruitment of the women counselors is yet to begin. “The tender process will soon start, aimed at the catering management sector. These escorts will escort passengers in Shivneri buses,” Bhosle said.
Public criticism of the move
Despite MSRTC officials portraying the initiative as a progressive step, passengers and social commentators expressed strong opposition. An IT professional from Pune, who was waiting at the Shivajinagar bus station to travel to Goregaon, Mumbai, criticized the move as regressive. “Decisions like these set us back in the fight for women’s rights. They give women roles where they are expected to serve food. If they want to implement such a policy, there should be no gender-specific roles,” she told The Indian Express.
She pointed out that MSRTC should prioritize repairing deteriorating buses and addressing operational inefficiencies, rather than focusing on superficial changes. “Reserving women in government buses is commendable, but diverting attention from critical service issues such as poor maintenance is counterproductive,” she said.
Anand, a Pune resident who works at Persistent Systems, shared similar sentiments. He criticized the name ‘Shivneri Sundari’ and called it “derogatory and objectionable”. He also expressed concerns over the safety of women attendants, especially in rural areas like Nanded and Gadchiroli, where buses often face operational problems, especially during monsoon. “Instead of making cosmetic changes, the MSRTC should address pressing issues like leaking roofs and impassable roads,” he said.
Political leaders and experts join the opposition
Opposition leaders have also spoken out on the controversy. Rohit Pawar, MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed (Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar faction), took to social media to express his disapproval. On X (formerly Twitter), he stated: “The priorities a government sets reflect its attitude and wisdom. Nowadays, it is necessary to focus on improving the condition of ST buses, by providing better infrastructure to both ST employees and passengers to improve their lives. But instead of addressing these pressing issues, the newly appointed chairman is introducing schemes like Shivneri Sundari,” he said.
Urban transport experts echoed Pawar’s concerns. Bhaumik Gowande, an urban transport planner, denounced the government’s decision as “unbelievable and regressive.” “Unbelievable and regressive. In 2024, the Maharashtra government thinks it’s okay to reduce women to Shivneri Sundari? I have made more than 500 trips, this is absolutely not necessary. My school friend, a flight attendant, is facing stalking… will Maha Gov guarantee the safety of hostesses on buses? Gowande asked.
MSRTC is defending its move amid mounting criticism
Responding to the growing criticism, MSRTC’s Bhosle defended the initiative and described the response as exaggerated. He emphasized that people support the idea and that it is just one of many decisions made during the 304th meeting. “While there is some opposition, we think people will ultimately appreciate this move. At the same time, we are also committed to improving the infrastructure of our buses,” said Bhosle.
According to Bhosle, MSRTC operates 100 Shivneri buses, of which 75 are under the Pune division. The exact timeline for the launch of the hospitality service remains unannounced, although the company assured that implementation would begin soon.
First publication: Oct 3, 2024 | 5:24 PM IST