Rickshaw pullers in Odisha brave biting cold to work for survival

Despite the biting cold affecting several parts of Odisha, not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy hot coffee and the warmth of a cosy bed at their homes. There are certain sections of society who are compelled to work in the open during the chilling weather as the mercury dips.

Though Odisha has been witnessing severe cold for the last few days, hapless rickshaw pullers have gotten no respite from the biting cold. They are forced to eke out a living by braving the cold.

One of the rickshaw pullers said that they are compelled to work in such challenging conditions as they have to feed their families and have no alternative means of livelihood.

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“We are spending sleepless nights outside as I have no alternative of livelihood. Our livelihood has been severely affected after the arrival of auto and e-rickshaws in the market. Nobody is willing to take a rickshaw these days. What other thing I could do in this old age? I am requesting the passengers to take my rickshaw. With much difficulty, I am managing to earn my livelihood with a meagre earning,” said a 65-year-old rickshaw puller.

“We are forced to negotiate with the passengers on rickshaw fare as there is very little demand for rickshaws these days. We don’t know any other means of livelihood. Hence, we are forced to pull rickshaws to earn bread for our family members,” said another rickshaw puller who is 60 years old.