Campaign Partner : Waatavaran
Decision Makers: All Political Parties in MH
Demands:
Include implementation of free bus travel for women across Maharashtra in the Vidhansabha election manifesto.
Provide a proper timeline and planning to implement the policy
Introduction:
High commuting costs across Maharashtra poses a significant challenge for women and girls. These expenses limit their access to education, jobs, and essential services, stifling their economic independence and social mobility. Implementing free bus travel for women in Maharashtra, which is a rapidly growing and vibrant state is a vital step toward achieving gender equality and empowerment.
What’s the Issue?
Commuting costs disproportionately burden women, particularly from underprivileged families. This financial strain forces them into a difficult choice: forgo education, better jobs, or even participate in social activities and community engagement. The result? Girls miss school, women are restricted to nearby jobs, and their ability to connect with their communities is hampered.
Freedom of mobility is a fundamental right in India, and an initiative like free bus travel will enable women to exercise that right. This will reduce financial stress and offer safer travel options for women who otherwise rely on unsafe or unreliable means of commute.
Maharashtra can follow the footsteps of numerous other states that have successfully implemented a free-bus-travel scheme for women. For instance, since 2019, Delhi, which was the first state to implement free bus travel for women, has witnessed an increase in female ridership – from 25% in 2020-21 to nearly 33% in 2022-23 so far. Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme provides free bus travel for women, including students and transgender persons, on non-AC government buses. Other states that have launched similar programs include Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Telangana.
A scheme like free bus travel comes with a host of positive changes:
Reduced travel costs translate into more savings for women. This empowers them to invest in education, healthcare, and their families.
Girls and young women will be able to access educational opportunities beyond their immediate vicinity. Students previously forced to drop out due to travel costs will be able to pursue their dreams without financial constraints.
Public buses offer a safer environment compared to alternative modes of transport. Free travel incentivizes women to utilise these services, enhancing their security.
Increased female presence on public transport challenges traditional gender norms, paving the way for a more equitable society.
While some may worry about the financial impact, investing in women's mobility is investing in Maharashtra's future. The state can explore sustainable funding options, such as reallocating resources or introducing targeted taxes that won't burden the general public.
Furthermore, free bus travel enables women to participate more fully in the labour force. Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (2022-23) indicates that the Female Labor Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) is at 37.7% for Maharashtra. Closing this gap will significantly boost the overall economy of the state.
When women have equal opportunities to participate in the workforce, they can contribute their skills, talents, and knowledge to the economy.
This can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and overall economic output. By providing free bus rides, Maharashtra would not only be taking a crucial step towards empowering women, but also driving long term economic growth of the state.
We urge all political parties in Maharashtra to include the policy of free bus travel for women in their manifestos, complete with a clear timeline and plan of action for the upcoming state assembly elections. This initiative is crucial for gender equality and women's empowerment, with far-reaching positive impacts on our society.
Join us in urging the government to prioritise this issue. Sign this petition to support free bus travel for women in Maharashtra. Together, we can make a difference.
Sources:
Campaign Partner : Waatavaran
Decision Makers: All Political Parties in MH
Demands:
Include implementation of free bus travel for women across Maharashtra in the Vidhansabha election manifesto.
Provide a proper timeline and planning to implement the policy
Introduction:
High commuting costs across Maharashtra poses a significant challenge for women and girls. These expenses limit their access to education, jobs, and essential services, stifling their economic independence and social mobility. Implementing free bus travel for women in Maharashtra, which is a rapidly growing and vibrant state is a vital step toward achieving gender equality and empowerment.
What’s the Issue?
Commuting costs disproportionately burden women, particularly from underprivileged families. This financial strain forces them into a difficult choice: forgo education, better jobs, or even participate in social activities and community engagement. The result? Girls miss school, women are restricted to nearby jobs, and their ability to connect with their communities is hampered.
Freedom of mobility is a fundamental right in India, and an initiative like free bus travel will enable women to exercise that right. This will reduce financial stress and offer safer travel options for women who otherwise rely on unsafe or unreliable means of commute.
Maharashtra can follow the footsteps of numerous other states that have successfully implemented a free-bus-travel scheme for women. For instance, since 2019, Delhi, which was the first state to implement free bus travel for women, has witnessed an increase in female ridership – from 25% in 2020-21 to nearly 33% in 2022-23 so far. Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme provides free bus travel for women, including students and transgender persons, on non-AC government buses. Other states that have launched similar programs include Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Telangana.
A scheme like free bus travel comes with a host of positive changes:
Reduced travel costs translate into more savings for women. This empowers them to invest in education, healthcare, and their families.
Girls and young women will be able to access educational opportunities beyond their immediate vicinity. Students previously forced to drop out due to travel costs will be able to pursue their dreams without financial constraints.
Public buses offer a safer environment compared to alternative modes of transport. Free travel incentivizes women to utilise these services, enhancing their security.
Increased female presence on public transport challenges traditional gender norms, paving the way for a more equitable society.
While some may worry about the financial impact, investing in women's mobility is investing in Maharashtra's future. The state can explore sustainable funding options, such as reallocating resources or introducing targeted taxes that won't burden the general public.
Furthermore, free bus travel enables women to participate more fully in the labour force. Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (2022-23) indicates that the Female Labor Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) is at 37.7% for Maharashtra. Closing this gap will significantly boost the overall economy of the state.
When women have equal opportunities to participate in the workforce, they can contribute their skills, talents, and knowledge to the economy.
This can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and overall economic output. By providing free bus rides, Maharashtra would not only be taking a crucial step towards empowering women, but also driving long term economic growth of the state.
We urge all political parties in Maharashtra to include the policy of free bus travel for women in their manifestos, complete with a clear timeline and plan of action for the upcoming state assembly elections. This initiative is crucial for gender equality and women's empowerment, with far-reaching positive impacts on our society.
Join us in urging the government to prioritise this issue. Sign this petition to support free bus travel for women in Maharashtra. Together, we can make a difference.
Sources: