From today onwards, that is, June 1, women across West Bengal are all set to travel free on state-run buses, all thanks to the newly launched welfare scheme that came into force statewide. Want to know more about it? Scroll down.
West Bengal Govt To Launch Free Bus Travel For Women
The initiative is said to benefit women travelling on both short and long-distance state-run bus services. As per reports by the Statesman, authorities have put in place an interim-based verification process while a special smart card system is being created for beneficiaries. Till then, women who want to avail themselves of the facility must carry any one of the identity documents approved by the state government. Post verification, conductors are issuing a “zero-value” ticket instead of collecting fare.
According to directions issued by the transport department, women passengers are required to carry a valid identity document verifying their eligibility for the scheme. The documents that are accepted include an Aadhaar card, voter identity card (EPIC), PAN card, passport, driving licence, Ayushman Bharat health card, Grameen Rozgar Guarantee card, pension documents carrying a photograph, government-issued service identity cards, educational institution identity cards and other authorised identity documents issued by the West Bengal government.
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Smart Card & Verification Process For Future
If reports are to be believed, the bus conductors have been trained to verify documents and issue tickets under the newly launched system. The transport department has advised staff to continue with document-based verification until a specific beneficiary identification system becomes operational.
The current system is expected to remain in place for quite some time before the government rolls out digital smart cards carrying the beneficiary’s photograph and QR code. As per reports, these women will be able to apply for the cards through established administrative offices, including BDO and SDO offices. Once given out, the smart cards will serve as the main mode of verification for free travel on the buses.
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The scheme officially began operations across West Bengal on Monday. What are your thoughts about this?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is the West Bengal scheme for women?
The flagship scheme for women in West Bengal is the Annapurna Yojana, which provides assured monthly financial assistance to eligible women for socio-economic upliftment, along with completely free bus travel in government buses across the state.