Jammu: The coalition government led by Omar Abdullah had announced in its budget that women will travel free in Jammu and Kashmir Transport Corporation buses, e-buses, which is going to be implemented today from April 1. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off buses for this free service in regard to the women empowerment in J&K. The function of flag off ceremony was held at SKICC at Srinagar.
Just as women in Punjab are not charged fare in the government buses there, similarly this process will be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Although, this will benefit women, but the increase in the price of petrol and diesel will increase the burden on the common man.
Women are happy with free travel in passenger buses. Even though the increase in the price of petrol and diesel will increase the burden on the common people, women are happy with the government’s decision. Women are more happy that they will be able to come and go easily to their close relatives.
Along with this, it is being considered an important step for women empowerment. Working women are going to benefit more from this. Many women workers have their duty twenty to fifty kilometers away from their homes, while many have their duty fifty to seventy kilometers away.
Generally, women constitute 30 to 40 per cent of the passengers in buses. This truly promotes women empowerment at the grassroots level.