Breaking Barriers: Priyanka Behera Is Odisha’s First ‘Delivery Girl’

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has its first ‘delivery girl’ as opposed to a ‘delivery boy.’ Although it is quite common for girls to take up delivery of goods ordered online in Delhi and elsewhere, in Odisha, Priyanka Behera  is the first one to have broken that barrier.

Driven by financial constraints, a much-married Priyanka took up the job of delivering goods in the same private company as her husband.

“I was looking around for a job but found nothing, which would be paying and dignified at the same time. Under the circumstances, this was the best things to do and I had the full support of my husband,” said Priyanka Behera, who came to Bhubaneswar after getting married in November 2018.

Priyanka belongs to Dhenkanal and is a student of Plus-III, second year in a private college.

“Priyanka works as well as the boys,” said the manager of the company Manoj Kumar Sahoo.

“I have never received any complaint against her from customers. Among the 15 delivery persons, Priyanka is the only woman in this company,” said Manoj.

“My husband Ajit Kumar Biswal is also working with me in this company. He cooperates a lot with me. We have to cover many areas for delivery of orders in a day,” said Priyanka.

“I was really nervous when I went to deliver my first order. I am always polite to the customers. I try not to disappoint my colleagues and the manager. I have been working since last seven months and my customers have been giving a good feedback of me,” said Priyanka.

“Some of the customers express surprise on seeing a delivery girl at their doorstep but later appreciate my courage. The job has made me very confident and independent,” she added.

“I am able to earn now and pursue my graduation. I am no longer dependent on anyone for anything,” said Priyanka.