Chandigarh, April 1:
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Aruna Chaudhary, on Thursday, clarified that the free bus travel facility for women introduced by the Punjab Government would be applicable in government buses such as PRTC and Punjab Roadways plying from any corner of the state of Punjab to Chandigarh and vice-versa.
Expressing gratitude towards the Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh for fulfilling his commitment to provide free bus travel for women, Mrs. Chaudhary informed that the department of social security, women and child development would be the nodal department and would be entrusted with the responsibility of the proper implementation of the scheme in synergy with the transport department.
“Under the scheme, women residents of Punjab would be provided free travel facility in Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), Punjab Roadways Buses (PUNBUS), city buses of the local government department and other government owned buses”, said the minister, clarifying that the scheme would not be applicable in AC, Volvo and HVAC buses.
The Cabinet Minister said that women could avail the benefit of the scheme by showing Aadhaar Card, Voter Card or any other document as a proof of residence of Punjab. After showing such evidence, women of the state of the Punjab irrespective of their age will not be charged any fare in government buses. She said, this would not only reduce the drop-out rate of girl students due to exorbitant bus fares, but will also prove beneficial for working women, who have to travel long distance to reach their workplaces.
Mrs. Chaudhary said that in case of any complaint, women can lodge their grievances with the Block Level Officers of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, who have been declared as Public Grievances Redressal Authority. Besides this, women can also lodge their complaints on Women’s Helpline-181 and timely settlement of the grievances would be ensured, she added.
