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The woman earns about 500 rupees a day.
About a year and a half ago, Alka decided to step up and drive a Toto and support her family against all odds.
Proving that factors such as age, gender, educational qualifications and social stigma don't play a role in making decisions for the sustainability of a family; a housewife now starts driving a Toto to support her family. Alka Murmu is an indigenous woman from the Junglemahal area of South Bankura in West Bengal who is famous as a doto rider in Raniband. Toto is a colloquial Bengali term referring to a battery-powered electric rickshaw.
Alka faced significant challenges at the beginning of her endeavor. There are many critics, many expressing doubts about housewives driving Toto, and some even making disparaging remarks behind their backs. Still, Alka, who hails from the Jungle Mahal region, ignores the negative impacts. My mother-in-law is in poor health, and the education costs for her two sons are increasing, so my daily expenses are also rising. Alka's husband can only earn a meager income from farming a small piece of land, making it difficult for the family to make ends meet.
About a year and a half ago, Alka decided to step up and drive a Toto and support her family against all odds. Today, she is in her thirties and only has a seventh-grade education, but she skillfully manages her family and her job as a Duoduo driver. Her ability to balance both roles earned her the respect of her family and neighbors.
Every morning, after finishing her household chores and cooking, Alka sets off with her Toto to the Raniband market, seven kilometers away. She earns about 500 rupees a day by driving and although there were initial hurdles, things are going smoothly now. However, due to its remote rural location, not everyone can afford the full fare, but fellow Toto drivers in Raniband are very supportive. Local teacher Baburam Kisku hailed Alka as an inspiring role model and commended her efforts in managing the household.
