Punjab cabinet okays free government bus travel for women in Punjab
Free Travel Scheme For Women in Punjab: Women in Punjab get to travel free of cost in all government-run buses within the state from Thursday, as the cabinet gives its formal approval on the scheme, announced by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh earlier this month.
Captain Amarinder Singh had announced the free travel scheme in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on March 5, as part of his government’s efforts to empower women and girls in the state.
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The scheme will benefit over 1.31 crore women and girls across 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 free travel scheme, women residents of Punjab can avail free bus travel in Government-owned buses, including Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), Punjab Roadways Buses (PUNBUS), and City Bus Services operated by Local Bodies.
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However, the scheme is not applicable to Government-owned AC Buses, Volvo Buses, and HVAC Buses. Documents like the Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, or any other proof of residence in Punjab would be required to avail of the facility.
Further, all women who are family members of Punjab Government employees and residing in Chandigarh, or are themselves employees of Punjab Government but live in Chandigarh, can avail the benefit, irrespective of age and income criteria, of free travel in the said government buses.
This scheme is expected to not only reduce female drop-out in schools because of the high cost of daily transport but also facilitate working women, who have to travel considerable distances to their workplace.
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-PTC News
