The Andhra Pradesh government is taking progressive steps toward implementing its promise of free bus travel for women. While the scheme was initially planned for a Sankranti rollout, the government has decided to delay its launch to ensure effective implementation. This delay allows time to learn from the challenges faced in Karnataka and Telangana, where similar schemes are already operational.
Government’s Commitment to Promises
The coalition government is focused on fulfilling its election promises, and free bus travel for women is a key initiative among the “Super Six Schemes” announced. To ensure a seamless rollout, the government has formed a cabinet sub-committee to conduct a comprehensive study of the scheme.
Formation of a Ministers’ Committee
A Group of Ministers Committee has been established to oversee the scheme’s development.
- Chairperson: State Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy
- Members: Home Minister Anitha and Women and Child Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhyarani
This committee will be responsible for assessing the scheme’s viability and addressing potential challenges.
Learning from Other States
The committee has been tasked with visiting states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Delhi, where free bus travel for women has been successfully implemented. They will study:
- The implementation process
- Occupancy trends post-implementation
- Infrastructure requirements, including the number of buses needed
- Target demographics and service routes
What Will the Report Address?
The committee’s report will cover crucial aspects, such as:
- Estimating the number of women likely to benefit
- Understanding the current travel patterns of women in Andhra Pradesh
- Evaluating cost implications and operational logistics
- Recommendations on whether the scheme should apply to district or state-level services
A Part of the Super Six Schemes
The free bus travel initiative is one of the flagship “Super Six Schemes” promised by the coalition government. Other schemes include the recently launched Deepam Scheme, offering three free cooking gas cylinders per year. These initiatives aim to reduce financial burdens and improve quality of life for women.
Empowering Women Through Free Travel
The government’s decision to implement this scheme reflects its commitment to empowering women by offering:
- Financial relief on travel costs
- Safe and comfortable transportation
- Greater freedom of mobility
By addressing logistical challenges and drawing lessons from other states, Andhra Pradesh aims to ensure the scheme is not only impactful but also sustainable. The government is optimistic that this initiative will transform public transport accessibility for women across the state.
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