Srinagar, Mar 7 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while presenting the state budget, announced free ridership for all women on government-owned transport, including e-buses. The initiative aims to enhance mobility and financial relief for women across urban and rural areas.
Addressing the assembly, Omar Abdullah highlighted the government's commitment to women's welfare, stating that the scheme would help empower women by providing them with safe and cost-free travel. The decision is expected to benefit working women, students, and homemakers who rely on public transport for daily commutes.
The budget also included several other key welfare measures, such as 200 units of free electricity for families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the establishment of 98 water testing laboratories across the region, and an increase in marriage assistance for girls from ?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel50,000 to ?75,000 under the AAY category.
Additionally, the government has allocated ?50 crore for setting up a National Law University in J&K and proposed a waiver of stamp duty on property transfers between blood relatives. These measures are aimed at improving education, healthcare, and financial stability for residents.
The announcement of free public transport for women has been widely welcomed, with many considering it a progressive step towards gender-inclusive policies in the region (KNS)