Patna: Women in Bihar will be able to travel free on Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) buses from 6am on August 27 to 10pm on August 28 as part of the state government’s Raksha Bandhan initiatives.
The free travel facility will cover around 1,075 buses, including AC, non-AC, deluxe and PM e-buses, as well as buses operated under the public-private partnership model. It will be available on intra-city, inter-district and inter-state routes.
The government said the measure is intended to make travel easier and safer for women during Raksha Bandhan. The facility can also be used by women travelling for work, education, shopping and other essential purposes.
4,700 Vehicles Flagged Off For Police Didi Initiative
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary flagged off 4,700 scooters and motorcycles at Gyan Bhawan in Patna for the ‘Police Didi’ initiative, also known as the Abhaya Brigade.
The vehicles will support patrols around schools, colleges, markets and major roads, with the stated aim of improving security for women and female students.
The initiative is also intended to improve the reach of government schemes and services among vulnerable sections of society.
Rs 10,000 Monthly Fellowship For Female PhD Students
The government has launched the Chief Minister Balika PhD Fellowship Scheme under which 1,000 female PhD students will receive Rs 10,000 a month for four years.
The assistance is intended to help students meet expenses related to higher education and research and encourage greater participation of women in research.
Up To Rs 2 Lakh For Women Entrepreneurs
The Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge Scheme has been announced to encourage women to establish businesses.
Under the scheme, eligible women entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh to help develop and implement their business ideas.
Government Sets Employment Target For 1 Crore Women
The government has also set a target of connecting 1 crore women with employment opportunities over the next three years.
The initiative is focused on improving women’s economic independence through employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Pink Buses Also In Operation
Transport Secretary Rajkumar said the free travel facility is being provided annually around Raksha Bandhan, with the objective of ensuring convenient and safe transportation for women.
The Transport Department said more than one lakh passengers travel daily on over 1,000 corporation buses, with women accounting for nearly half of the passengers.
Officials have been directed to ensure smooth operations during the two-day free travel period. The state also operates ‘Pink Buses’ with a focus on women’s safety and travel convenience.
