West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme For Women Launches On June 1st
Kolkata, May 24, AIMA Media Update News: With the twin objectives of enhancing women's empowerment and improving public transportation facilities, the West Bengal government has taken a pivotal decision. The government, led by CM Suvendu Adhikari, has issued a landmark notification providing free travel facilities for women across all categories of state-run buses, effective from June 1st. This prestigious scheme is set to come into force on June 1st itself. The Transport Department stated that this decision was taken with the aim of making public transportation more accessible for women and reducing their travel expenses. The official notification regarding this initiative was released on May 21st.
While the State Finance Department granted its approval for this massive welfare scheme on May 16th, the State Cabinet meeting held on May 18th gave it its final seal of approval. Consequently, the scheme is set to become operational at the grassroots level starting June 1st. Women across Bengal have expressed their delight upon learning this news.
★ Free Bus Travel Scheme Applicable to All Categories of Buses:
According to the guidelines issued by the Transport Department, this free travel facility is not limited solely to local buses; it applies to all types of services operated under the aegis of the state government. It was further stated that women may travel free of charge not only on local routes covering short distances but also on long-distance buses traveling to far-off regions. The notification clarified that this scheme applies to all categories of public service buses operating under the purview of the government.
★ Documents Required for Free Bus Travel:
To ensure the transparent implementation of this scheme, the government is set to introduce a specialized digital mechanism. Beneficiary women will be issued a unique 'Smart Card' featuring a QR code, their photograph, and their name. Women wishing to obtain this Smart Card must submit their applications at the offices of the Block Development Officer (BDO) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) within their respective jurisdictions. Along with the application, beneficiaries must submit a recent passport-sized photograph and provide one of the following identity proofs: a Voter ID Card, Employment Guarantee Job Card, Driving License, PAN Card, Ayushman Bharat Health Card, Indian Passport, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, Pension Documents featuring a photograph, a Service ID Card issued by Central/State Governments or PSUs, or an Official Identity Card issued by a school, college, or university. Possession of any one of these documents is sufficient.
★ 'Zero-Value Ticket' Until the 'Smart Card' is Issued:
It will take some time for all applicants to receive their Smart Cards. Consequently, the government has made alternative arrangements to make the scheme immediately available starting June 1. Until the smart card is issued, women may travel free of charge by presenting any of the aforementioned photo identity cards to the bus conductor. Upon verifying the identity card, the conductor on duty will issue a free 'zero-value ticket' or a thermal paper ticket to the female passenger.
--- M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist
