Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday flagged off special buses in Lucknow under a new initiative that provides lifelong free bus travel to women aged 60 years and above.
The scheme has been named after 18th-century ruler Ahilyabai Holkar in recognition of her contributions to women’s empowerment, good governance and cultural preservation.
The Chief Minister distributed smart travel cards to elderly women during the launch of the ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana’.
Under the scheme, women aged 60 years and above who are residents of Uttar Pradesh will be entitled to free bus travel for life.
Speaking at the launch event, CM Yogi said the initiative had been named ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Nishulk Bus Yatra’ as a tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar and her efforts toward women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
“Just before Raksha Bandhan, a bus service being operated in the name of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar will provide free bus travel to every daughter, every sister and every mother on the 27th, 28th and 29th. This facility will be available to one accompanying passenger,” he said. “After this, we are going to provide free travel to all mothers and sisters above the age of 60.”
CM Yogi said women above the age of 60 residing in Uttar Pradesh could avail the facility after August 29. They would need to show their voter ID card or Aadhaar card.
“These two types of services are being started together today. Our Transport Minister, Dayashankar Singh, who has been working for the welfare of women, suggested that this should be announced. We felt that there could be no better occasion than Raksha Bandhan,” he said.
The Chief Minister extended greetings to women across all 75 districts of the state. He highlighted Ahilyabai Holkar’s role in promoting self-reliance and good governance.
The Chief Minister praised her efforts to preserve India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He further said she is remembered as a symbol of women’s leadership, empowerment and independence.
According to CM Yogi, her legacy inspired the naming of the new free bus travel scheme.
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