Varanasi Gets Its First Woman Coolie

Life took a drastic turn for Kamlawati's family when her husband succumbed to an ailment in 2016. Picking up the threads of her life, she has now decided to take up her husband's job of a coolie to eke out a living for herself. With this, she will become the first woman coolie in Varanasi.

"As per policy guidelines of the Railway Board, the badge may be transferred to the family member, irrespective of the gender," chief area manager Ravi Prakash Chaturvedi told TOI.

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Prepared for the job

Kamlawati, a mother of four, received her badge on Wednesday (Nov 29). She is happy to work as a coolie as the pay will help her in bringing up her children.

 "I am happy that the badge of my late husband was transferred to me. It will help me in rearing my children," - Kamlawati

She also added that she is aware of the fact that a coolie's job is physically taxing, but she will do it for the sake of her children.

The 35-year-old woman hails from Deoria district and lives with the family of her brother-in-law Sikandar Gaud in quarters of the New Railway Colony near Cantonment station. Gaud works as a constable in the GRP.

A supportive fraternity

The coolie fraternity at the Cantonment station is quite supportive of Kamlawati. They are ready to help her do her job.

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"We tried to get the badge transferred to her so that she can earn living for her small kids. All of us will happily provide all support to her," said Kedar Yadav, president of Varanasi unit of All India Coolie Union.

Kamlawati will be the first woman coolie in Northern Railway.

SheThePeople.Tv salutes this woman for exhibiting great courage in the face of adversity.

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