Taking another major step towards women empowerment, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday virtually launched free travel facility for women in government buses running within the state.
“With this, we have fulfilled another poll manifesto promise,” said the Chief Minister, adding that after the record-making 85% promises implemented, his government was now moving forward towards the realisation of all 100% of the commitments.
Pointing out that other parties were promising free travel for women now in states going to polls, he said that while everyone talks about women empowerment, his government had taken several concrete measures to achieve the same. In fact, while the promise of his government was to reduce ticket price for women by 50%, it had gone ahead to make it totally free, he said, urging private bus operators to also understand their social responsibility and reduce tariff.
Under the free travel scheme, which will benefit over 1.31 crore women/girls across the state, all women, irrespective of their financial status, will be able to travel free of cost in all non-AC buses, intra-state, just by showing Aadhar or Voter card or some other valid identity card.
Expressing concern over crimes against women, the Chief Minister said his government was committed to their safety, and the Transport Department was installing GPS systems in all government and private buses, to enable easy tracking of the vehicle, in addition to panic button for emergency use. The process was nearly complete for government buses, and the private operators had been asked to complete it by August 31, he said. He lauded the Transport Department for the innovative initiatives towards women safety. Captain Amarinder further announced 25 more bus stations to be built in the state to improve road connectivity.
The free travel scheme, said the Chief Minister, will be a boost to the realisation of his government’s vision for inclusive growth and development of women and girls, who have already been provided 50% reservation in Panchayati Raj and Local Bodies institutions in the state, along with 33% reservation in government jobs.