Women in Punjab get to travel free of cost in allGovernment-run buses within the state from Thursday, with the cabinet todaystamping its formal approval on the scheme, announced by Chief Minister CaptainAmarinder Singh earlier this month.
The Chief Minister had announced the free travel schemein the Vidhan Sabha on March 5, as part of his government’s efforts to empowerwomen and girls in the state.
The scheme will benefit over 1.31 crore women/girlsacross the state. As per Census 2011, Punjab has a population of 2.77 crores(males 1,46,39,465 and female 1,31,03,873).
Under the scheme, women residents of Punjab can availfree bus travel in Government-owned buses, including Punjab Roadways TransportCorporation (PRTC), Punjab Roadways Buses (PUNBUS) and City Bus Servicesoperated by Local Bodies. However, the scheme is not applicable toGovernment-owned AC Buses, Volvo Buses and HVAC Buses. Documents like AadhaarCard, Voter Card or any other proof of residence in Punjab would be required toavail the facility.
Further, all women who are family members of PunjabGovernment employees and residing in Chandigarh, or are themselves employees ofPunjab Government but live in Chandigarh, can avail the benefit, irrespectiveof age and income criteria, of free travel in the said government buses.
This scheme is expected to not only reduce femaledrop-out in schools because of high cost of daily transport but also facilitateworking women, who have to travel considerable distances to their workplace.The facility will thus ensure access to safe, cheap and reliable travel forwomen to engage in any economic activity.
Since the scheme is expected to encourage women and theircompanions to utilize public transport, it would naturally bring down thenumber of personal vehicles plying on the roads leading to consequent reductionin pollution, accidents and vehicular congestion, the Cabinet felt.