In a bid to empower women from lower income groups, the Punjab government’s initiative of providing free bus travel for women in government buses has sparked a mix of enthusiasm and concern across the state. Launched under the previous Congress administration, the scheme has significantly eased travel expenses for women, facilitating mobility for various purposes including education, work, and personal visits.
Initially intended to support women like Neeru Naroola, a resident of Zirakpur, who used to visit her parents annually due to financial constraints, the initiative has now become a lifeline for many. “After the scheme started, I always make it a point to take my daughter along. While she also travels free of cost, I pay the fare of my son,” shares Neeru, highlighting the practical impact on family travel dynamics.
For students like Muskaan, commuting daily from Barnala to Patiala for her education at Government Mohindra College has been made possible due to this scheme. “My parents are safai workers, and the free bus service ensured that I could complete my graduation,” she explains, underscoring the educational opportunities enabled by the initiative.
Beyond education, the scheme has also facilitated easier access to employment opportunities for women across Punjab. Kirandeep Kaur, a government employee commuting from Chandigarh to Bhawanigarh in Sangrur daily, expresses gratitude for the convenience it provides. “I start around 5.30 pm from Chandigarh and reach Bhawanigarh at 8 pm and get to see my daughter,” she says, illustrating the personal benefits of this government support.
However, while the scheme has garnered praise from beneficiaries, it has simultaneously posed financial challenges for the state-run Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC). The daily reimbursement of nearly Rs 1 crore to cover the cost of free travel strains the corporation’s finances, exacerbated by delays in government reimbursements in recent times. This financial strain has been a point of concern for the sustainability of the scheme and its impact on the overall fiscal health of PRTC.
Moreover, the initiative has not been without criticism. Local private transporters, like Hardeep Singh, lament the adverse effects on their business. “Our business is almost ruined as women prefer free travel and there are hardly any passengers for us. Even men want to travel in government buses,” he shares, reflecting the economic challenges faced by private operators due to the subsidized competition.
Despite these challenges, Punjab’s Finance Minister, Harpal Cheema, remains committed to the scheme, citing its positive impact on women’s empowerment. In the Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, an allocation of Rs 450 crore has been earmarked to sustain the initiative, underscoring the government’s dedication to supporting women’s mobility and socio-economic advancement.
As the debate continues over the financial implications and broader economic effects of the scheme, its undeniable impact on enhancing women’s access to education, employment, and personal mobility remains a pivotal achievement for Punjab. Whether the scheme strikes the right balance between social welfare and fiscal prudence will likely continue to be a point of deliberation, echoing across policy circles and among stakeholders in the state.
