Sandhya Majhi breaks gender barrier as Odisha's first woman govt driver
Hailing from Suleipat village in the district, Sandhya's journey has been one of determination and courage.
She said, "Ever since I was a child, I've been fascinated by cars and driving. It's always been a dream of mine."
She started living her dreams by riding motorcycles and later transitioned to driving cars.
A graduate, Sandhya married a driver in Jashipur area of the same district and later started driving a taxi.
She obtained her light motor vehicle licence in 2011 and followed it up with a heavy motor vehicle licence in 2023, after completing training at the Chhatia Driving Training Centre in Jajpur district under the State Transport Authority.
In between, due to family responsibilities, she even worked in a beauty parlour in Bhubaneswar, officials added.
"One day, I got a call from Chhatia Driving Training Centre saying there is a driver's position in the state government. I agreed and joined duty on June 25," Sandhya told PTI.
She was visibly elated after joining her new role, where she now drives the official vehicle of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department.
"Sandhya Rani's bold journey behind the wheel shatters gender stereotypes and paves the way for countless women in Odisha to drive change," Padhee wrote on a X post.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is in-charge of Women and Child Development Department, congratulated Sandhya and said it is a milestone in women's empowerment in Odisha.
"I extend heartfelt congratulations to Sandhya Rani Majhi, Odisha's first female government driver. The Transport Department's initiative is commendable. A new chapter has been added to women's empowerment," she wrote on X.
Sandhya's appointment marks a breakthrough in promoting women's empowerment and inclusivity in the state's workforce. Her dedication and skills have not only paved the way for her own success, but also inspired others to pursue careers in traditionally underrepresented fields, an officer said.
The state government's initiative to promote women's empowerment and road safety is evident in programmes like the Women Suvahak initiative, which aims to train women drivers.
Sandhya's achievement is a testament to the state's commitment to creating a more equitable transportation system, he added.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Sandhya breaks gender barrier as State's first woman govt driver
Bhubaneswar: In a landmark step for women's empowerment, 45-year-old Sandhya Rani Majhi from Mayurbhanj district has become the first woman to be hired as a government vehicle driver in Odisha, officials said. Hailing from Suleipat village in the district, Sandhya's journey has been one of determination and courage. She said, 'Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by cars and driving. It's always been a dream of mine.' She started living her dreams by riding motorcycles and later transitioned to driving cars. A graduate, Sandhya married a driver in Jashipur area of the same district and later started driving a taxi. She obtained her light motor vehicle licence in 2011 and followed it up with a heavy motor vehicle licence in 2023, after completing training at Chhatia Driving Training Centre in Jajpur district under the State Transport Authority. In between, due to family responsibilities, she even worked in a beauty parlour in Bhubaneswar, officials added. 'One day, I got a call from Chhatia Driving Training Centre saying there is a driver's position in the State government. I agreed and joined duty on June 25,' Sandhya said. She was visibly elated after joining her new role, where she now drives the official vehicle of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport department. 'Sandhya Rani's bold journey behind the wheel shatters gender stereotypes and paves the way for countless women in Odisha to drive change,' Padhee wrote on an X post. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is in-charge of Women and Child Development department, congratulated Sandhya and said it is a milestone in women's empowerment in Odisha. 'I extend heartfelt congratulations to Sandhya Rani Majhi, Odisha's first female government driver. The Transport department's initiative is commendable. A new chapter has been added to women's empowerment,' she wrote on X. Sandhya's appointment marks a breakthrough in promoting women's empowerment and inclusivity in the State's workforce. Her dedication and skills have not only paved the way for her own success, but also inspired others to pursue careers in traditionally underrepresented fields, an officer said. The State government's initiative to promote women's empowerment and road safety is evident in programmes like the Women Suvahak initiative, which aims to train women drivers. Sandhya's achievement is a testament to the State's commitment to creating a more equitable transportation system.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Sandhya Majhi breaks gender barrier as Odisha's first woman govt driver
Bhubaneswar, In a landmark step for women's empowerment, 45-year-old Sandhya Rani Majhi from Mayurbhanj district has become the first woman to be hired as a government vehicle driver in Odisha, officials said. Sandhya Majhi breaks gender barrier as Odisha's first woman govt driver Hailing from Suleipat village in the district, Sandhya's journey has been one of determination and courage. She said, "Ever since I was a child, I've been fascinated by cars and driving. It's always been a dream of mine." She started living her dreams by riding motorcycles and later transitioned to driving cars. A graduate, Sandhya married a driver in Jashipur area of the same district and later started driving a taxi. She obtained her light motor vehicle licence in 2011 and followed it up with a heavy motor vehicle licence in 2023, after completing training at the Chhatia Driving Training Centre in Jajpur district under the State Transport Authority. In between, due to family responsibilities, she even worked in a beauty parlour in Bhubaneswar, officials added. "One day, I got a call from Chhatia Driving Training Centre saying there is a driver's position in the state government. I agreed and joined duty on June 25," Sandhya told PTI. She was visibly elated after joining her new role, where she now drives the official vehicle of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department. "Sandhya Rani's bold journey behind the wheel shatters gender stereotypes and paves the way for countless women in Odisha to drive change," Padhee wrote on a X post. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is in-charge of Women and Child Development Department, congratulated Sandhya and said it is a milestone in women's empowerment in Odisha. "I extend heartfelt congratulations to Sandhya Rani Majhi, Odisha's first female government driver. The Transport Department's initiative is commendable. A new chapter has been added to women's empowerment," she wrote on X. Sandhya's appointment marks a breakthrough in promoting women's empowerment and inclusivity in the state's workforce. Her dedication and skills have not only paved the way for her own success, but also inspired others to pursue careers in traditionally underrepresented fields, an officer said. The state government's initiative to promote women's empowerment and road safety is evident in programmes like the Women Suvahak initiative, which aims to train women drivers. Sandhya's achievement is a testament to the state's commitment to creating a more equitable transportation system, he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
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Odisha's first government chauffeur Sandhya drives a big change
BHUBANESWAR: In the corridors of Lok Seva Bhawan where policies are shaped and futures envisioned, a change is taking shape not in a boardroom, but behind the wheels. Mayurbhanj's Sandhya Rani Majhi has become the first woman driver to be appointed as an official government chauffeur in the state recently. Her inclusion into the male-dominated profession at the age of 44 has become a symbol of inclusion and proof that when women, especially those in traditionally invisible roles, are given opportunity and respect, they rise with resilience and pride. Majhi always wanted to take up a career in defence or navy. But after some failed attempts, she decided to pursue her passion for driving and make a career in it. However, in the absence of any scope, she started doing other parttime jobs. 'I got married in 2005. My husband Ram Ray Majhi, who is also a driver, always stood behind me as a pillar of support. He even bought a second-hand Nano car to help me learn driving,' she said. After working as a rental driver for over a decade, Majhi joined the HMV training centre at Chhatia in Jajpur in 2023 and even got an opportunity to join as a driver in Japan. But family obligations forced her to stay back. 'This was when I got an opportunity from H&UD and Transport secretary Usha Padhee to opt for the profession, and joined without giving a second thought. However, I wasn't aware that doing so, I would become the first official chauffeur in a government vehicle. It makes me happy. The job has not only helped me follow my passion but has also made me financially independent,' she said.
