CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh launched the free travel facility for women aboard the state’s government buses via online mode on Thursday.
Pointing out that when the other parties in poll-bound states were just promising free travel for women and talking about women’s empowerment, his government had done it practically. He said while the promise of his government was to reduce ticket price for women by 50%, it had gone ahead to make it absolutely free. He asked the private bus operators also to understand their social responsibility and reduce tariff.
He said: “With this, we have fulfilled another election promise,” said the chief minister, adding that after keeping 85% of its promises, his government was now moving towards fulfilling 100% of its commitments.
The free-travel scheme will benefit more than 1.31 crore women, irrespective of their financial status. They can take any non-AC, intrastate bus by just showing their Aadhar card, voter’s ID or another valid proof of identity. Expressing concern over crimes against women, the CM said his government was committed to their safety, and getting all government and private buses fitted with GPS and panic button for easy tracking and emergency alert. The process was nearly complete for the government buses, while the private operators must complete it by August 31, he said. He announced 25 more bus stations to be built.
He said women and girls already had received 50% reservation in the panchayati raj institutions and local bodies, along with 33% reservation in the government jobs.