NEW DELHI: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Raksha Bandhan announced a series of measures aimed at improving women’s safety, mobility and economic empowerment, including free travel in Roadways buses for women aged 60 years and above.The announcements were made during a Raksha Bandhan programme at Chakarpur Stadium, where women tied rakhis to Dhami. The chief minister said the initiatives reflected the government’s commitment to women’s dignity, safety and self-reliance.Under the new provision, women aged 60 years and above will be able to travel free of cost in Roadways buses. The facility was earlier available to senior citizens above 65 years of age.Dhami also announced that 10 of the 100 electric buses to be operated in Dehradun under the PM e-Bus Sewa will be dedicated to women as Pink e-Buses. He said the facility would subsequently be expanded to other parts of Uttarakhand in phases to provide women with safer and more convenient public transport.The government has also increased the concessional bank loan limit under the Women’s Self-Employment Scheme from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.50 lakh. Dhami said the move was intended to provide women with greater access to capital and encourage them to become employment providers rather than only job seekers.He further announced plans to develop modern, high-tech toilets with contemporary facilities at major public places, markets, tourist destinations and other important locations across the state. The facilities will focus on cleanliness, privacy, safety and convenience for women.Addressing the gathering, Dhami said women’s dignity and safety were among the government’s highest priorities. He said Raksha Bandhan was not only a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters but also a reminder of responsibility, respect and commitment towards women.
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Dhami highlighted schemes including the Nanda Gaura Yojana, Chief Minister Mahalakshmi Kit Yojana, 181 Women Helpline and One Stop Centres. He also said women have been provided 30 percent horizontal reservation in government services.The chief minister said 3.09 lakh women in Uttarakhand had become Lakhpati Didis. He urged them to set a bigger goal of becoming Crorepati Didis and assured them of continued government support.He also highlighted interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for Self-Help Groups and the Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana, under which women are being provided better market access for their products.