Concessional HRTC bus travel scheme for women launched in Himachal

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, June 30

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today launched the scheme of 50 per cent concession in HRTC bus fares for women passengers. He also announced a reduction in the minimum fare of HRTC buses from the existing Rs 7 per km to Rs 5 per km and filling of 25 posts of woman driver for ‘Ride With Pride’ taxis of the HRTC.

Thakur, while presiding over a state-level ‘Nari Ko Naman’ function here, said that 265 posts of motor mechanic, electrician and other categories in the HRTC would be filled. He added that the matter of additional Rs 30 crore assistance to the HRTC would be taken up with the Finance Department.

He said that the concessional fare scheme would make women self-reliant and help them progress in life. The government would spend about Rs 60 crore annually on the scheme as according to an estimate, 1.25 lakh women travel in HRTC buses every day.

The Chief Minister said that it was during his tenure as Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister that 50 per cent reservation was provided to women in panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies in 2010.

“Women won more than 58 per cent seats in the following elections and this percentage has risen to 60. The Mukhya Mantri Grehini Suvidha Yojana was started in the state to cover the left-out beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Yojana and 3.32 lakh LPG connections had been provided to women free of cost. The Mukhya Mantri Shagun Yojana was started for the daughters of BPL families and Rs 31,000 was being provided for their marriage. Over Rs 17 crore had been provided under the scheme to 5,308 girls, he added.

Earlier, the Chief Minister provided concessional tickets and flowers to women travellers and flagged off HRTC buses from the local bus stand. He also honoured woman HRTC driver Seema Thakur and provided employment letters to two beneficiaries on compassionate ground.

CM: 25 posts of woman driver to be filled

• The Chief Minister announced reduced minimum fare of Rs 5 per km (existing Rs 7) for HRTC buses
• As many as 25 posts of woman driver for ‘Ride With Pride’ taxis of HRTC to be filled
• 265 posts of motor mechanic, electrician and other categories in HRTC also to be filled
• Woman HRTC driver Seema Thakur honoured
• Thakur hands over employment letters to two beneficiaries on compassionate ground

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