This petrol pump lends a helping hand to the disabled
Bharat petrol pump near RTO employs seven disabled persons, who are grateful for the opportunity, and are doing their jobs to the satisfaction of their employer
By Shailesh Joshi
Bharat petrol pump in front of the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is one with a big difference. This is the only petrol pump in the city which employs seven disabled persons, including six deaf and dumb persons as well as a visually impaired one.
These seven employees working at the pump in two shifts. Three of the deaf and dumb employees work between 9 am and 2 pm, checking the air pressure in the tyres of vehicles of customers who fill fuel at the pump. The other three work the second shift, from 2 pm to midnight. The visually impaired person works as announcer from 9 am to 6 pm. He makes announcements regarding the dos and don’ts while filling fuel at the pump.
It all began when a customer asked pump service provider M Y Baadndl to find jobs for his two deaf and dumb friends. “I employed the two persons for checking and filling air in the tyres of customers’ vehicles. Employing them eased the pressure on the other employees,” said Baadndl. Their work was very satisfactory and so Baadndl placed advertisements in newspapers and recruited other disabled persons to work at the petrol pump.
“These deaf and dumb employees don’t argue with the customers, and they also work conscientiously. Customers never complain about them, and in fact, their attitude has pleased my customers and even brought in new ones. We give them fair payment which includes Provident Fund also,” said Baadndl.
Visually impaired Vishal Ratan Gaikwad, 27, resident of Pimple Gurav, started working at the pump last week as announcer. He makes announcements like, ‘Remain in queue to fill petrol, don’t use mobile or smoke on the premises’, and other such useful directions. He has completed his B A, and wants to be a probationary officer. “I have a family who I have to provide for and this job enables me to do so. I am enjoying this job,’’ said Vishal.
Kiran Niravane, 31, resident of Mangalwar Peth has been deaf and dumb for two years. He is paid Rs 10,000 per month for the job he does at the pump. He can communicate with others in writing. His wife is also deaf and dumb and his daughter Aarya is in standard IV.
Amit Kshirsager, 29, resident of Yerawada, has been working at the petrol pump for seven years. He has studied up to standard VIII. Deaf and dumb, he also communicates with others through writing. “We enjoy the work here and the payment is good. I am grateful to the owner for putting his trust in us,’’ Amit expressed himself in writing.
Satish Garud, 43, resident of Parvati has been working here for four years. “I am satisfied with the work,” he said.
The Bharat petrol pump has provided these people with the opportunity to earn their livelihood, and they in turn have responded with honesty and by acquitting the jobs they do with efficiency and trust.
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Originally published on The Golden Sparrow
