Dehradun: On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced several major initiatives for women in the state. At a Raksha Bandhan ceremony held at Chakarpur Stadium, the Chief Minister announced a number of important decisions aimed at improving women’s convenience and safety and promoting their economic empowerment.
The Chief Minister announced that the free travel facility currently available to senior citizens above the age of 65 on state Roadways buses will now be extended to women from the age of 60. The decision will enable a larger number of elderly women in the state to access safe and convenient public transportation.
The Chief Minister also announced the development of high-tech toilets equipped with modern facilities for women at major public places, markets, tourist destinations, and other important locations across the state. Special attention will be given to cleanliness as well as women’s privacy, safety, and essential needs at these facilities.
In addition, out of the 137 electric buses Uttarakhand is set to receive under the Prime Minister’s e-Bus Service, it was announced that 10 of the 100 buses to be operated in Dehradun will be dedicated as pink e-buses for women. The Chief Minister said that this facility would also be expanded to other parts of the state in a phased manner.
To make women economically self-reliant, the Chief Minister also announced an increase in the limit of concessional bank loans available under the Women’s Self-Employment Scheme. The loan limit will be increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh. The Chief Minister said that the government’s objective is to make women not job seekers, but job creators.
Extending his greetings to sisters on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Chief Minister said that the festival is not merely about tying a rakhi, but is a symbol of love, trust, and responsibility between brothers and sisters. He said that the affection of sisters continuously inspires him to remain committed to public service.
