Lucknow, August 26: The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has introduced a significant initiative for women just before Raksha Bandhan. On Wednesday, the ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Maatrushakti Yatra Yojana’ was launched. This program allows women aged 60 and above to travel for free on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses for life. During the event, CM Yogi also distributed smart travel cards to elderly women.
In Hardoi, senior women expressed their gratitude towards the government for this decision. One local woman remarked, “This is wonderful. It will make traveling much easier. CM Yogi has done great work for us women. Our PM Modi has also done commendable work. We respect them greatly.”
An Anganwadi worker added, “This is excellent news for all of us. Prices have risen significantly these days. Any schemes initiated for us are very beneficial.”
Lucknow’s Mayor, Sushma Kharkwal, described the initiative as a great gift for sisters. She stated, “This is a wonderful gift we have received as sisters. By the time we reach 60, we have fulfilled all our family responsibilities. After that, when we are free, the Chief Minister has given us the opportunity to travel for pilgrimage and leisure.”
Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh expressed his gratitude to CM Yogi for this initiative. He mentioned, “Previously, our mothers and sisters were allowed free travel with a companion for three days during Raksha Bandhan. But this time, they have been given a gift that allows them to travel anywhere for life.”
Meanwhile, BJP MP Brij Lal noted, “Under this scheme, our mothers and sisters can travel with a companion for three days during Raksha Bandhan and celebrate the festival by tying rakhi to their brothers. Additionally, women over 60 will receive free travel on transport buses for life. They can now travel anywhere in the state—visiting relatives, going on pilgrimages, or wherever they wish. They no longer need to depend on anyone. This is a significant gift.”
He also criticized the previous Samajwadi Party government, stating, “During their tenure, young girls were afraid to see SP workers. There was violence and riots everywhere. Only 12 percent of women were self-reliant back then because they lived in fear. Today, under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, 36 percent of women are self-reliant because they have been provided with security. Respect and safety lead to self-reliance—that is what has been achieved.”
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