In a significant move, Andhra Pradesh’s Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced the upcoming launch of free bus travel for women in APSRTC buses. This initiative fulfills a key electoral promise to enhance women’s mobility and accessibility across the state.
Free Bus Travel for Women Initiative Overview
- Rollout from Visakhapatnam: The free travel facility for women will initially roll out from Visakhapatnam, benefiting women commuters across Andhra Pradesh.
- Study Visits: Officials will visit Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka to study the implementation of similar schemes in neighboring states, ensuring effective execution in Andhra Pradesh.
Political Context and Promises
- TDP-JSP Manifesto: The initiative is part of the ‘Super Six’ promises by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its ally Jana Sena Party (JSP), aimed at welfare and empowerment.
- Other Promises: Includes schemes like ‘Thalliki Vandhanam’ for school-going students, Aadabidda Nidhi for women aged 18-59, and Deepam Scheme for free gas cylinders, reflecting a comprehensive approach to social welfare.
Future Prospects
- Empowering Women: The Aadabidda Nidhi scheme aims to empower women financially, contributing to their economic independence and social empowerment.
- Implementation Challenges: The government assures a seamless integration of APSRTC into state operations while safeguarding the interests of employees and workers.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing gender equity and ensuring inclusive transportation services across Andhra Pradesh.
Source : india
