Punjab allows free bus travel for women from April 1

According to the scheme, Punjab has allowed free bus travel for women, and this is applicable to all government-owned buses in the state.

After the state cabinet approved the scheme allowing free bus travel for women on Wednesday, girls and women in Punjab can now avail the benefit from April 1.

The Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh had proposed the scheme on March 5 in Vidhan Sabha.

The scheme is likely to benefit over 1.31 crore girls/women living in Punjab. As per the scheme, the women will be able to travel in any government-owned bus free of cost.

Those buses include Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) and Punjab Roadways Buses (PUNBUS). The scheme also includes city bus services which are operated by local bodies. 

It will be mandatory for women to take along any residence proof of Punjab like Aadhar card, voter card etc.

In addition, the scheme will also apply to all women who are the family members of Punjab government employees living in Chandigarh. The women, who are themselves the employees of the Punjab government, will also be able to avail the benefit, irrespective of age and income.

However, the free bus travel scheme will not be applicable for government-owned AC buses, Volvo and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) buses.

The move is aiming to reduce the female drop out in schools which happens due to high cost incurred in travelling.

It is also likely to benefit working women in the state. Along with this, the sceheme is expected to reduce the number of personal vehicles on the roads.

Before Punjab, the Delhi government had also taken a similar step ahead of the Delhi elections. Punjab is also going to have elections in 2021.

Also Read: Punjab Government to provide sanitary vending machines in schools!

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