Driver Training program for Discipline

Hyderabad, March 29 (INN): The drivers' training and appraisal programme, launched by the Telangana State Cabs and Bus Operators Association (TSCBOA) on February 7 this year has inculcated discipline, punctuality and respect towards law among the drivers.

According to a study conducted by the TSCBOA on the impact of training programmes, more than 1,000 drivers who took part in such programmes have not violated a single traffic rule since they attended the function. "A major change was noticed among the drivers after their participation in the training programmes. We did not get a single complaint of any kind of violation, including wrong side parking. They got so inspired with the training that they are now acting in a more responsible manner, said TSCBOA President Syed Nizamuddin.

The first training programme for drivers was held at the Cognizant Technology Services (CTS) at Gachibowli on February 7 while the second programme was held on March 20 at GE I Labs at Hitech City. Nearly 1500 drivers, working for different cab operators attached to the IT and other companies, participated in both the training programmes. "Initially we expected the programme to sensitise the drivers towards their responsibilities in making Hyderabad a safe city. But our findings on the impact of training programme were quite encouraging. It increased punctuality, discipline and even food and dressing habits of almost all the drivers," said Nizamuddin.

"Earlier we were never treated as part of the system. But we were quite impressed with the speech of Cyerabad Commissioner Mr CV Anand in our training programme. He exhorted us to act like Brand Ambassadors of Hyderabad. He made us realise our importance in the society," said Md Ateeq, a driver who participated in the programme.

"I was never satisfied with my job in the past. It was just a source of livelihood for me and nothing else. But in the training programme, I was explained about the role drivers are playing in the travel and IT industry. This made me understand the role which I'm expected to play in the society," said Tulasi, another driver. The other drivers like Majeed and Srinivas thanked the Cyberabad Police and TSCBOA for involving them in the ongoing safety drive. "We were looked at with suspicion whenever any bad incident happened in our country. People had a very negative image about the drivers and we were the last ones to be trusted. But the speeches delivered by Mr CV Anand and other experts during the training programme have changed the people's perception about drivers," said Srinivas.

According to Syed Nizamuddin, after the launch of training programmes, many drivers have expressed their wish to learn spoken English so that they could have better interaction with the passengers. "The training programme is bringing about an attitudinal change among the drivers. We will continue the series of training programmes and drivers attached with all IT companies would be trained in a phased manner," he said.