In the year 2007 the Diocese of Durgapur had launched a programme for rickshaw pullers who are socially and economically deprived class of the society. The objective behind this programme was to bring a dignity to their profession and improve their standard of living. Under this programme, the Rickshaw Pullers were provided with Rickshaws donated by the Diocese. Generally, the rickshaw pullers do not have their own rickshaws and they rent the rickshaws which results in a large chunk of their income going to the rickshaw contractors. Thus, they cannot lead a comfortable life despite the hard work put in by them and perennially trapped in debt.
The Diocese already has 4 such Rickshaw projects going on in Sarenga, Purulia, Durgapur and Dinajpur with a total of 16 Rickshaw Vans and 1 Rickshaw being donated in these areas. The rickshaw pullers donate 5 rupees every day which is kept in a fund which can be used for major repairs of the vehicles as and when needed.
Ashish Ree was a labourer toiling in the local cold storage at Sarenga from 06:00 A.M in the morning till sometimes 10:00 P.M in the night in order to earn a full days meal for his family which consists of his wife, two daughters and one toddler son. His wife’s health was frail which meant that she and her tiny son were vulnerable to all kinds of ailments and diseases. Ashish had no way but to endure all this as he had no means to afford for better treatment facilities as his daily income was around fifty rupees which is much lower that what is needed for two meals for a family of five.
This was the familiar complaint in all the families of the pullers in the four areas before they were donated with the vehicles. Today one won’t find the stereotypical notion of this impoverished state anymore, though as changes are taking place in their lives. A new enthusiasm for economic independence and a life of dignity is slowly replacing the old traditions and helplessness. Today they earn about Rs. 80/- to 100/- every day which is a far cry from what they used to earn earlier. They now plan of sending their children to better schools, repair their dilapidated houses, treat their old ailing parents and family members, and get good food for their families and save some money in the bank also. The Diocese of Durgapur, firmly believes that the economic empowerment of these people is essential. It not only helps in providing sustenance, but increases respect for them in the society as
The Diocese already has 4 such Rickshaw projects going on in Sarenga, Purulia, Durgapur and Dinajpur with a total of 16 Rickshaw Vans and 1 Rickshaw being donated in these areas. The rickshaw pullers donate 5 rupees every day which is kept in a fund which can be used for major repairs of the vehicles as and when needed.
Ashish Ree was a labourer toiling in the local cold storage at Sarenga from 06:00 A.M in the morning till sometimes 10:00 P.M in the night in order to earn a full days meal for his family which consists of his wife, two daughters and one toddler son. His wife’s health was frail which meant that she and her tiny son were vulnerable to all kinds of ailments and diseases. Ashish had no way but to endure all this as he had no means to afford for better treatment facilities as his daily income was around fifty rupees which is much lower that what is needed for two meals for a family of five.
This was the familiar complaint in all the families of the pullers in the four areas before they were donated with the vehicles. Today one won’t find the stereotypical notion of this impoverished state anymore, though as changes are taking place in their lives. A new enthusiasm for economic independence and a life of dignity is slowly replacing the old traditions and helplessness. Today they earn about Rs. 80/- to 100/- every day which is a far cry from what they used to earn earlier. They now plan of sending their children to better schools, repair their dilapidated houses, treat their old ailing parents and family members, and get good food for their families and save some money in the bank also. The Diocese of Durgapur, firmly believes that the economic empowerment of these people is essential. It not only helps in providing sustenance, but increases respect for them in the society as
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