AP CM AP CM travels with Stree Shakti beneficiaries, seeks feedback on free bus travel scheme

Amaravati, Aug 15 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday travelled in a Palle Velugu bus along with women beneficiaries of the Stree Shakti scheme and interacted with them to assess the impact of the free travel facility on their mobility and livelihoods.

The bus journey, organised to mark the completion of one year of the Stree Shakti scheme, was from the Independence Day celebrations venue at the Parade Grounds to the Chief Minister’s camp office.

Naidu sought feedback from the beneficiaries on the scheme and advised women to make use of government schemes to improve their earnings and strengthen their economic position.

The Stree Shakti scheme, which provides free travel to women in APSRTC services, is being availed of by more than 24 lakh women daily, according to the government.

Fisherwoman Maila Veera Veni from Kakinada told the Chief Minister that the scheme was helping her save around Rs 4,000 a month. Naidu also enquired about her health and stressed the importance of maintaining healthy habits.

Shaik Tabasum from Nandyal said she was saving around Rs 1,500 a month through the scheme and was also benefiting from four government schemes.

B.Sc student P. Harshita from Anakapalli said the free travel facility was particularly useful for students.

Handloom weaver Baddela Suseela from Anantapur district said the scheme had enabled her to travel to procure raw materials and market her sarees.

She said that earlier her husband alone travelled outside for business, whereas the free travel facility had enabled her to participate in business activities and contribute to the expansion of their family enterprise.

Suseela also said the Nethanna Sevalo scheme, along with Stree Shakti, was helping her family increase its income.

The government said the scheme was being implemented in 7,631 APSRTC buses, covering around 76 per cent of the corporation’s fleet.

It was providing a subsidy of around Rs 8.53 crore a day, with the expenditure so far reaching Rs 3,095 crore.

Following the introduction of the scheme, women’s occupancy in RTC services increased to 62 per cent, while the accident rate declined as women reduced their dependence on unauthorised transport services, according to the government.

The Chief Minister said the experiences shared by the beneficiaries reflected the role of improved mobility in women’s economic participation and empowerment.

TNT KM