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Andhra Pradesh launches ‘Stree Shakti’ free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons this Independence Day
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to launch ‘Stree Shakti’, a free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons, this Independence Day.
All you need to know about AP's ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme
Out of the total 11,449 buses of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), nearly 74 per cent will be available for free travel for women, girls and transgender persons.
As part of the new scheme, all girls, women and transgender persons with Andhra Pradesh domicile status can travel anywhere in the state.
“On Independence Day, women will be freed from the burden of travel expenses. Under the scheme titled Stree Shakti, women will be able to travel for free in APSRTC buses starting August 15,” said an official press release.
This scheme will enable beneficiaries to travel across the state in five categories: Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express services of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus services.
Around 2.62 crore women in the state are expected to benefit from Stree Shakti.
‘Stree Shakti’ scheme will contribute to reducing women’s travel cost and is estimated that women travel four times on average a week by bus and will stand to save up to Rs 3,000 per month.
The TDP-led NDAgovernment estimated that it would cost Rs 1,942 crore per annum and Rs 162 crore per month to implement the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme.
APSRTC will issue zero-fare tickets to women to claim reimbursement from the government.
To avail the benefit under the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, a passenger must present identity proofs such as a voter identity card, Aadhaar card, ration card or driving license to conductors to prove their residency in the state.
Notably, the new scheme does not apply to non-stop, super luxury and air-conditioned buses or services on ghat roads.
Free bus travel scheme for women is a Super Six promise given by the CM in the run-up to the 2024 poll.
Naidu’s Super Six promises include Rs 1,500 monthly support to every woman in the age bracket of 19 to 59 years, 20 lakh jobs for youth or Rs 3,000 monthly unemployment allowance and free bus travel for women.
His other super six promises are Rs 15,000 to every school-going child per annum (Talliki Vandanam), three free gas cylinders to every household (Deepam – 2) and Rs 20,000 annual financial assistance to every farmer (Annadata Sukhibhava).