Wheels Of Grit: How Specially Abled Women Are Redefining Delivery Jobs
2
Nagpur: On any given day, if you spot a food delivery executive zipping past you on an electric bike, look closer — you might witness a quiet revolution in motion. Wearing the uniform of a leading food delivery aggregator, five women aren't just beating traffic; they're beating the odds.
Each one lives with over 80% disability. Earning a steady income of Rs25,000 a month, these women are scripting a new narrative of dignity and independence.
TOI spoke to a few specially abled women who are currently working as food delivery executives to learn about what drove them to the job. Manjusha Dhanorkar, who was widowed two years back after a long illness of her husband, wanted to take care of her two children — studying in 10th and 12th — and her mother-in-law and her husband's grandmother.
"Even before the death of my husband when he was suffering from a deadly disease, the responsibility of my family came over me. I had two options: either let my disability stop me or do something for my family. I chose the latter," said Dhanorkar.
She then started driving children to school in her e-rickshaw and used to earn around Rs15,000 per month. "Around four months back, I got the opportunity to work as a food delivery executive.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Now I am working both jobs and earning a modest living," said Dhanorkar.
Dhanorkar was among five other women and 10 men who got to work with the food delivery aggregator after they were approached by an organisation, Youth4Job, which works for people with disabilities.
Trupti Lonare, who too has to take care of her widowed sister and a mother suffering from paralysis, said that she got a call from the organisation.
"They told me that they will be providing us training and a vehicle to make deliveries.
They told me that we have to pay Rs3,000. Earlier I was hesitant but later agreed to it and paid the money on the day of training. We were provided with vehicles and training about how to deal with customers. Since then, 15 of us, including five women, have joined the food aggregator and are earning steadily," said Lonare, adding that the job has made her financially independent.
The specially abled food delivery executives have to do orders in a 4-kilometre radius from their residence and carry out around 10 deliveries every day, earning Rs80 per delivery.
"I am a graduate and live with my old parents. I work for around 6 hours daily till the battery of my vehicle sustains. I also do sewing work side by side. This work has given me renewed dignity that I too can live with respect," said Suruchi Shahu, another food delivery executive.
The women claimed that 95% of their experience while working is good.
"When we tell customers that we are handicapped, they come down from the building and even look at us with awe and respect. What else do we need," said Shahu.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Indian bonds see historic tightening of credit spreads amidst rating upgrade
Mumbai: Spreads between Indian bonds trading abroad and their benchmarks are at their narrowest ever, reflecting robust overseas interest in the world's fastest-expanding major economy that also saw a rating upgrade last week. Credit spreads on outstanding Indian bonds have shrunk further -and faster-after S&P upgraded New Delhi's sovereign rating for the first time since subprime mortgages fuelled the global financial crisis two decades ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo "Credit spreads, especially for investment-grade Indian paper , have come down and are at levels never seen before," said the head of debt capital markets at a UK based bank. "This is also partly because the supply of Indian paper has come down this year as issuers are wary of global uncertainties. But the fact is these are the best credit spreads enjoyed by Indian companies for a long time." Bonds Corner Powered By Indian bonds see historic tightening of credit spreads amidst rating upgrade Overseas interest in Indian bonds is strong. Credit spreads are at record lows after S&P's rating upgrade. Exim Bank and Reliance Industries bonds are performing well. Experts say Indian companies' credit quality is excellent. Cheaper rupee funds and competitive overseas loan rates are impacting bond market activity. Most Indian companies have limited overseas payments. Rating boost drives rally in Indian corporate dollar bonds, squeezing spreads European bond yields tick up as traders gear up for Jackson Hole Japan bonds fall after auction; 10-year yield hits 17-year high India bonds stay muted on tepid demand due to fiscal worries Browse all Bonds News with Bankers said lower credit spreads on Indian bonds indicate wider acceptability and cheaper funding costs abroad. The sovereign-backed Exim Bank had raised $1 billion through a 10-year bond sale in January this year. The bond was priced at 100 basis points above the 10-year US benchmark. The instrument is trading at 71 basis points above the 10-year US bond now. One basis point is 0.01 percentage point. Live Events Private-sector companies have also fared equally well. Reliance Industries ' bond due in 2032 is currently trading at 63 basis points above the 10 year US treasury, the tightest since it was issued in 2022. The company had raised $1.5 billion and 120 basis points above the 10 year US treasury in 2022. Pratik Shah, head financial services, EY, said India's rating upgrade to BBB last week has further strengthened the attractiveness of Indian paper abroad. Agencies 'Best' Credit Quality "Credit quality of large Indian companies is probably at best ever. Their debt to equity is at near all-time best, so the chances of a credit event from India are very low," said Shah. "Then there are other factors like economic growth. Real GDP growth of India over the last four years has outpaced its peers." Bankers said weaker spreads indicate lower cost of borrowings for Indian companies through the overseas bond market. However, cheaper rupee funds and competitive overseas loan rates mean that companies would not want to spend time and money in finding investors to buy their bonds. "A 10-year dollar loan for an investment-grade company out of India comes to about 5.40% currently, which is a good 30 to 40 basis points below the 5.7% 10-year bond rate for Indian companies currently," said the head of debt capital markets at a US-based bank. "Rupee funds are available at cheaper rates, considering the currency risk and hedging costs. So, despite the spreads being so narrow, it does not mean companies will rush to the bond market." With most Indian companies having limited overseas payments, going to the dollar bond market is also a big decision.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Vypeen coastline to get tourism corridor boost
Kochi: Beach tourism in Ernakulam district is set for a major boost with the launch of a new tourism corridor connecting Munambam, Cherai and Kuzhippilly beaches. The state govt has granted administrative sanction and approved Rs 2.96 crore for preliminary development works. The first phase is expected to be completed within a year. Currently, the three beaches attract only a modest number of visitors, mostly from nearby coastal areas. Authorities believe the corridor project can change this by transforming the entire Vypeen coastal stretch into a vibrant tourism hub. The plan focuses on upgrading infrastructure and creating visitor-friendly facilities to appeal to both domestic and international tourists. At Cherai, a large section of the existing walkway was damaged by repeated sea surges. The project will replace it with a new walkway, complete with seating arrangements and decorative lighting. A new parking facility will also be set up to handle more visitors. Munambam beach, which now has limited water sports, is also set for improvements. Officials admit that its present facilities do little to attract families. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 5 Books Warren Buffett Recommends You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The revamp will include better lighting, parking space and a dedicated area for elderly visitors — a unique feature of the corridor project. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary Lijo John said tenders for the works would be issued soon. "There are restrictions on carrying out conventional development on beaches as they fall under the coastal regulation zone. Hence, we are planning temporary structures instead of permanent buildings. We hope to complete the works by Aug 2026," he said. Another attraction being planned is horse riding at all three beaches. The DTPC recently introduced horse riding on a trial basis at Cherai, which received an enthusiastic response. Encouraged by its success, the facility will now be extended to Munambam and Kuzhippilly. "Earlier, horse riding was conducted illegally by a private group at Kuzhippilly. This time, it will be launched formally with proper licences and veterinary approvals," John added. K N Unnikrishnan MLA said the project would give a significant push to the overall development of Vypeen Island. He pointed out that visitor safety will remain a priority, especially as these beaches have witnessed several drowning incidents in recent years. "We will deploy more lifeguards on the beaches to ensure safety," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Kunj will take artisans from gaon to global level: Giriraj
1 2 New Delhi: Union Minister of textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated "The Kunj" a flagship retail and cultural destination dedicated to celebrating and promoting the diverse heritage of Indian handicrafts and handlooms in New Delhi. Conceived and developed by the office of the development commissioner (handicrafts), the Kunj is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at empowering artisans, enhancing market access, and reimagining the craft sector through a design-led, experiential lens. Speaking at the event, Singh said that The Kunj is India's first such initiative dedicated to promoting crafts at this large scale and in lines with the vision of Central Govt to take artisans "from gaon to global level". He highlighted the need to take exports of handloom and handicrafts to new heights. He stressed the need for scaling up India's handloom and handicraft exports, saying efforts are underway to raise the monthly income of women artisans to at least Rs 15,000-20,000 per month. He expressed confidence that the success of The Kunj will serve as an exemplar for similar initiatives across the country and reaffirm India's stature as a global hub for traditional knowledge systems and handmade excellence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo The minister undertook a comprehensive walkthrough of The Kunj complex, engaging with master artisans, brand founders, curators, and participating retailers. He visited the curated retail shops, live craft demonstration zone, interactive workshop area, and exhibition area covering the ground and first floor of the complex, taking particular interest in the depth, diversity, and craftsmanship represented across the space. Marking the launch of a three-month inaugural celebration, The Kunj features a curated blend of retail showrooms/shops, live craft demonstration area, artisan-led workshop, culinary experience, and immersive exhibition The Union Minister commended the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and all associated teams—including conceptual planner teams, marketing team and design curators for their collective efforts in bringing the vision of The Kunj to life. He appreciated the seamless integration of cultural heritage, creative enterprise, and experiential engagement, noting that the complex not only offers dignified and contemporary retail opportunities for artisans but also redefines public interaction with India's handcrafted legacy. The Union Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Shilp Bhawan, the Office of DC (Handicrafts). The Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all contributors behind The Kunj—including Ministry officials, infrastructure and design partners, creative collaborators, and the artisan community—for establishing a benchmark in how crafts are presented, promoted, and made accessible. Agencies Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
