Triumph for Informal Workers: New bus route in B'luru to help 3000+ people with better connectivity
In what can be described as a major triumph for women's collective Alli Serona and for the women of Bengaluru’s informal workforce, BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) has taken cognisance of their demand for a new bus route that will connect approximately 3000 residents living in and around Seegehalli. In a recent poll conducted by the women from the community, over 1131 individuals had expressed their need for a bus stop at Seegehalli, not counting the thousands more who had also put forth their requirements for a bus stop on this route. In a pleasant start to 2024, buses have begun to ply on this route since 3rd January, offering residents of Mallappa Layout, Sonnenhalli, Priyanka Nagar, SBQ, and Medahalli, better connectivity to educational institutions and employment opportunities, impacting their overall quality of life in the city.
On the 11th of January 2024, children and women from Priyanka Nagar and Seegehalli who form a part of the Alli Serona Collective, gathered to ride in the bus as a mark of celebration. Alli Serona, a collective of civil society organizations, ideators, and think tanks working to address the transport needs of women from the informal sector has repeatedly highlighted mobility gaps in the city and also brought together experts and underserved women to co-create solutions like bus routes and walkable footpaths. Based on an audit report by the women from the collective itself, Alli Serona had suggested five critically needed bus routes to BMTC in 2023 and in January 2024, their efforts to plug mobility gaps notched up a big win to kick off the new year.
An elated resident from Priyanka Nagar, Anuradha, who is also an Alli Serona Woman Leader, shares, “Being part of Alli Serona, I've had the privilege to engage with BMTC officials, discussing the underserved bus services in our community. We expressed our transportation challenges, and officials pledged to address them. During one interaction, we met DTO Mr. Avinash, who later visited and assessed the proposed bus route by Alli Serona Women, understanding our needs well. The route from Shivaji Nagar to KR Pura, Seegehalli, and Medahalli now benefits housekeeping workers, high school students, single women, and visually impaired individuals. This route, particularly to Medahalli, serves Seegehalli and Priyanka Nagar, especially children.”
The Medahalli route holds significant importance as it is a crucial gateway for communities, providing access to various key destinations. This route facilitates travel to essential areas such as Hoskote, the International Airport, and Silk Board, and also links to KR Pura, KR Market, and Shivaji Nagar. The newly operational Seegehalli bus route will now also ensure first and last-mile connectivity to women who need to commute to Majestic, which is a central transport hub, KR Market, the largest wholesale market in the city, and Shivajinagar, one of the busiest commercial areas.
“This development brings immense joy and satisfaction. The dedicated efforts of the women in Seegehalli and Priyanka Nagar have borne fruit, and for that, I extend our heartfelt gratitude. Let's unite in celebrating this achievement” said I.S Patil, Senior Community Coordinator at Seegehalli and Priyanka Nagar, Alli Serona Collective.
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Dalit youngster in Raichur denied entry into temple: Video viral
Police, priest, Dalit leaders ‘unaware of matter’
Raichur: The priest of the Ambabhavani Temple in Athkur village has been accused of stopping Dalit youngsters from entering the temple for a ritual related the Navaratri festival, although related parties, including the priest and Dalit leaders of the village, have denied knowledge about the incident.
A video of the youngsters, belonging to the Madiga community, who wanted to wear the ritual garlands for the festive period, being denied entry into the temple and the priest handing them the garlands keeping them outside the threshold has gone viral on social media platforms.
Yapaladinni Police officers, however, have said no police complaint about the matter has been filed so far. In addition, Dalit leaders in Athkur have said no such incident has occurred in the village, but the police officers are conducting an inquiry since youngsters have alleged that they were denied entry into the temple.
The temple priest has also refuted the charges against him, clarifying that action will be taken if a complaint is filed.
