DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a series of women-focused measures on Raksha Bandhan, including free travel on Roadways buses for women aged 60 and above, dedicated Pink electric buses and expanded financial support for women entrepreneurs.
The announcements were made during a Raksha Bandhan programme where women tied rakhis to the chief minister. Dhami said the measures were aimed at strengthening women's safety, mobility, dignity and economic independence.
Free Roadways travel for women aged 60+
Under the new provision, women aged 60 years and above will be able to travel free of cost on Roadways buses in Uttarakhand. The benefit was previously available to senior citizens above the age of 65.
The decision is expected to provide greater mobility to elderly women, particularly those who depend on public transport for essential travel and family visits.
The announcement comes alongside a separate Raksha Bandhan travel initiative under which women across Uttarakhand can travel free on Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses on August 28 and 29. The state government has said it will compensate the transport corporation for the cost of providing the free service.
10 Pink e-Buses planned for Dehradun
Dhami also announced that 10 of the 100 electric buses planned for Dehradun under the PM e-Bus Sewa will be dedicated to women as Pink e-Buses.
The initiative is intended to provide women with safer and more convenient public transportation. The government plans to gradually expand the Pink e-Bus service to other parts of Uttarakhand.
The move also represents an effort to combine women's safety with the state's transition toward electric public transport. Dedicated services could make daily commuting more comfortable for women while increasing access to cleaner urban transportation.
Higher loan limit for women
The chief minister also announced an increase in the concessional bank loan limit under the Women's Self-Employment Scheme.
The maximum loan amount has been raised from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh, giving women greater access to capital for starting or expanding small businesses. Dhami said the objective was to help women become employment providers rather than remain limited to seeking jobs.
The government is also supporting women through Self-Help Groups, with interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh available under existing programmes.
Focus on women's safety and public facilities
Another major announcement involved plans to develop modern, high-tech toilets at major public places, markets, tourist destinations and other important locations across the state.
According to the government, these facilities will focus on cleanliness, privacy, safety and convenience for women. The measure is intended to improve basic public infrastructure and make frequently visited locations more accessible and comfortable.
Dhami highlights wider empowerment measures
Dhami used the Raksha Bandhan programme to highlight several existing women-focused initiatives in Uttarakhand, including the Nanda Gaura Yojana, Chief Minister Mahalakshmi Kit Yojana, 181 Women Helpline and One Stop Centres.
He also pointed to the state's provision of 30% horizontal reservation for women in government services.
The chief minister said more than 3.09 lakh women in Uttarakhand have become Lakhpati Didis. He encouraged women to set an even larger goal of becoming "Crorepati Didis" and said the government would continue supporting their economic advancement.
Raksha Bandhan announcements carry broader message
Dhami described Raksha Bandhan as more than a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, saying the festival also represents responsibility, respect and commitment toward women.
The latest announcements bring together several aspects of the state's women-focused policy: affordable mobility, safer public transportation, improved public facilities and greater access to finance.
The government had already announced free Roadways travel for women on August 28 and 29 to facilitate movement during Raksha Bandhan, when many women travel to meet their brothers and families.
With the additional measures announced on the festival, the Uttarakhand government is seeking to link the symbolic message of Raksha Bandhan with longer-term initiatives aimed at improving women's safety, mobility and economic independence.
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