Bhubaneswar: A recent incident in Odisha involving a bus conductor's refusal to allow a woman to board the vehicle as the first passenger, citing superstitious beliefs of bringing misfortune, has sparked controversy and concerns over gender sensitivity.

The State Commission for Women (SCW) has intervened, directing the Transport department to sensitize bus operators on treating women with respect and dignity.

Social campaigner Ghasiram Panda brought attention to the discriminatory practice after learning about it during public meetings on preventing witchcraft. According to Panda, bus staff often keep women waiting and allow men to board first, claiming that their business will be affected or the vehicle will meet with accidents if women board first.

Last week, Panda met with SCW officials and filed a petition urging an end to this superstitious belief and addressing the issue with gender sensitivity.

SCW chairperson Minati Behera expressed shock at the discriminatory attitude towards women passengers, emphasizing that similar complaints had been received in the past. Behera instructed the State Transport Authority to ensure that women are treated respectfully and with dignity in both government and private buses.

A senior Transport department official stated that they would ask the association of private bus owners to educate their staff on eliminating discrimination against women passengers.

However, the private bus owners' association denied endorsing such practices, asserting that they have always respected women passengers.