Success Story of a Comfort Station run by a Kudumbashree Entrepreneur

Extending Comfort and earning livelihood: Success Story of a Comfort Station run by a Kudumbashree Entrepreneur

The Petrol pump of Indian Oil Corporation located near Palode in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala is far more than a facility which supplies fuel. The Comfort station located in its premises is a boon to the hundreds to people who drive in to satisfy their basic physiological needs. There are no other petrol pumps in the near vicinity to establish such a facility and hence this station is of great demand for the public. Moreover, this route is headed towards tourist destinations like Ponmudi and Thenmala and hence many vehicles pass through this route daily.

The comfort station is maintained and managed by an attendant, Ms. Reena, who is a member of a Kudumbashree NHG Sangaman. The unit consists of well-maintained facilities for ladies and gents separately and Reena’s work involves cleaning and maintenance of these facilities.

The evolution of the Comfort Station

The petrol pump at Palode came into existence approximately 20 years ago. As there were not many hotels or such petrol pumps in a radius of approximately 5 km, and given the fact that a huge number of customers access the petrol pump daily, the real need for a comfort station was felt. The same was constructed by the State government and the facility officially inaugurated during October 2017. Reena was recommended for this job opportunity by the Chairperson of the ADS to which her NHG belongs.

Reena’s day at work starts at 8:00 AM and it ends at 6:00 PM. She cleans the entire premises of the petrol pump including the toilets. Toilets are cleaned every 2 hours during the day. She is also engaged in other works like paying electricity bill, attends to duties assigned by other staff. Rs. 1000 per month has been earmarked for purchasing necessary items for cleaning. The facility management centre can be considered a successful venture as it is serving the purpose for which it was envisaged. The availability of this comfort station has boosted the business of the petrol pump as well.

Reena, was a home maker and a mother of two was struggling to meet ends with no sustainable income. She had studied only until class 8 and hence could not take up any other job. She now receives a monthly salary of Rs. 8000 and is financially a great relief for her family. Reena says that she was appointed for this job, just for cleaning and maintenance of the toilet facility. However, now that she has multiple tasks to attend, she is finding less time to do her primary job role. Even though, she is trying her maximum to manage both simultaneously.

Reena could be considered as an epitome of success and self-confidence. She had succeeded in finding opportunities. With a gradual yet steady growth, she had proved that belief in their selves could take anyone to greater success and fame.