Laibi willing to teach women how to drive auto rickshaws
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 17 2020: Manipur's only lady auto driver Oinam Laibi, whose story has won many praises from different sections of the society including the Chief Minister himself, shares her day to day struggle during this time of pandemic.

She said she has spent the reward of Rs 1,10,000 she recently received from the Chief Minister for paying back a loan which she had taken to buy her new auto rickshaw two years back.

It may be mentioned here that she received the amount as reward from the Chief Minister for her act of bravery and sincerity by agreeing to ferry a COVID-19 recovered patient home at Kamjong district when no other taxis were willing.

"In 2011, my husband purchased an autorickshaw, but suddenly he fell ill and because of his deteriorating health condition he had to retire and I decided to step in his place," she recalled.

"Originally I am from Charangpat Mamang Leikai in Thoubal district.

We moved to Haotal in Imphal East when I was about 14 years old.

I am the fifth child among 10 siblings.

"I married Oinam Rajendro of Pangei Keithel and we have two children.

"My house is in bad shape and we also don't have any farms.

We only have this residential plot.

"Because of the lockdown, taxi services have been halted and as it is my only means of livelihood we are now suffering.

However, yesterday I started selling fish at Nagaram to keep my kitchen burning.

"Sometimes Mina Longjam, who made a documentary film based on me, brings food items," she said while thanking CM N Biren for the reward.

"I am willing to extend help in teaching how to ride an auto rickshaw for free for women who are willing to earn their driving auto rickshaw," she added.

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