Uttarakhand CM Dhami announces free bus travel for women aged 60 and above

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a series of initiatives on Friday aimed at promoting women's empowerment. During a Raksha Bandhan event at Chakarpur Stadium, Dhami revealed that women aged 60 and above will now be entitled to free travel on government buses. Additionally, the state will introduce 10 Pink E-buses exclusively for women, as part of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme.

The financial assistance under the Women’s Self-Employment Scheme, previously capped at ₹2 lakh, has been increased without a stated new limit. Dhami emphasized that women's empowerment remains a top priority for the government, citing various central and state schemes that have improved women's access to banking, credit, clean cooking fuel, and sanitation.

Initiatives such as the Nanda Gaura Yojana, Mukhyamantri Mahalakshmi Kit Yojana, and the 181 women’s helpline and One Stop Centres were highlighted, providing financial support, healthcare, and assistance to women. The state government also allocated 30% reservation for women in government services and offers interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for self-help groups to start or expand their enterprises.

The Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana is helping women market and sell their products through block-level centers. Dhami noted that 3.09 lakh women in Uttarakhand have become "Lakhpati Didis," marking a significant milestone in women's economic empowerment. He urged women to strive for higher achievements and assured continued support for their financial independence and entrepreneurial success, stating that serving women in Devbhoomi is his paramount duty.