CM Dhami Announces Free Roadways Travel for Women Aged 60 and Above in Uttarakhand
10 Pink E-Buses to Be Dedicated to Women in Dehradun; Facility to Be Expanded Across the State in Phases
Subsidized Loan Limit Under Women’s Self-Employment Scheme to Rise from ₹2 Lakh to ₹2.50 Lakh
High-Tech Toilets to Be Developed at Major Public Places to Ensure Women’s Safety, Privacy and Dignity
Chakarpur, Uttarakhand: On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced several major initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s safety, dignity, mobility and economic empowerment in the state.
The Chief Minister announced that women aged 60 years and above will be eligible for free travel in Uttarakhand Roadways buses. He also announced that 10 electric buses in Dehradun will be dedicated as Pink E-Buses for women under the Prime Minister E-Bus Service. The facility will subsequently be expanded to other parts of the state in phases.
In another major announcement, the subsidized bank loan limit under the Women’s Self-Employment Scheme will be increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.50 lakh. The Chief Minister also announced the development of modern high-tech toilets at major public places, markets, tourist destinations and other locations, with special emphasis on women’s privacy, safety and essential facilities.
Free Roadways Travel for Women from the Age of 60
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the existing provision of free travel in Roadways buses for senior citizens above 65 years of age would now be extended to women from the age of 60.
The initiative is expected to provide greater mobility and affordable public transport access to elderly women across Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister said the government is continuously working to make public transportation safer and more convenient for women.
10 Pink E-Buses to Be Dedicated to Women
Under the Prime Minister E-Bus Service, Uttarakhand is set to receive 137 electric buses. Of the 100 buses proposed to operate in Dehradun, 10 will be dedicated as Pink E-Buses for women, the Chief Minister announced.
He said the initiative would be expanded in phases to other areas of the state so that more women can benefit from safe, comfortable and convenient public transportation.
Women’s Self-Employment Loan Limit Increased
To strengthen women’s economic independence, the Chief Minister announced that the subsidized bank loan limit under the Women’s Self-Employment Scheme would be increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.50 lakh.
He said the government’s objective is to create an environment where women are not merely employment seekers but become entrepreneurs and employment generators.
High-Tech Toilets to Ensure Women’s Safety and Dignity
The Chief Minister also announced the development of modern high-tech toilets at major public places, markets, tourist destinations and other important locations across the state.
He said these facilities would focus not only on cleanliness but also on women’s privacy, safety and essential needs. According to the Chief Minister, ensuring dignity and respect for women remains one of the government’s highest priorities.
Sisters Tie Rakhi to CM Dhami in Chakarpur
During the Raksha Bandhan programme at Chakarpur Stadium, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the celebrations and inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
A large number of women present at the programme tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister, symbolizing the bond of affection, trust and responsibility between brothers and sisters.
Extending his greetings to the women, CM Dhami said the affection and blessings of sisters continuously inspire him to work harder in the service of the people of Uttarakhand.
He said Raksha Bandhan is not merely a festival of tying a Rakhi but also symbolizes love, trust, responsibility and the commitment to stand by one another in times of happiness and adversity.
Women’s Dignity and Empowerment a Top Government Priority
The Chief Minister said Raksha Bandhan also reminds society of its responsibilities towards women and emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting the dignity of the mother and sister.
He said the Uttarakhand government is implementing several schemes aimed at women’s safety, empowerment, economic independence and social security.
PM Modi’s Initiatives Have Strengthened Women’s Empowerment
CM Dhami said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded high priority to women in government policies and welfare programmes since 2014.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission, saying these programmes have helped expand women’s access to banking, entrepreneurship, clean cooking fuel and sanitation facilities.
He also highlighted steps towards increasing women’s political participation, including the move to ensure 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
Nanda Gaura Scheme Supporting Girls in Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand is also implementing several initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of women and girls.
Under the Nanda Gaura Yojana, financial assistance of ₹11,000 is provided on the birth of a girl child, while ₹51,000 is provided after she passes Class 12.
He also highlighted the Mukhyamantri Mahalakshmi Kit Yojana, through which useful items are provided to mothers and newborns. Women can also access assistance through the 181 Women Helpline and One Stop Centres.
The Chief Minister said the state has also provided 30 percent horizontal reservation for women in government services.
Interest-Free Loans to Self-Help Groups
CM Dhami said the government is working to ensure that women become economically independent entrepreneurs rather than remaining only beneficiaries of government schemes.
Under the state’s initiatives, self-help groups are eligible for interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh to help women start and expand businesses.
He also highlighted the Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav, through which products made by women are being provided greater market access. Centres are being established at the development-block level, while 13 centres representing products from all 13 districts are planned in Dehradun.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand’s women are producing high-quality local products despite challenging circumstances and that demand for these products is growing both within India and internationally.
3.09 Lakh Women Have Become Lakhpati Didis
The Chief Minister said 3.09 lakh women in Uttarakhand have become Lakhpati Didis, describing the achievement as an important milestone in women’s economic empowerment.
He encouraged women to move beyond the goal of becoming Lakhpati Didis and aspire to become entrepreneurs with much larger businesses.
He said the Lakhpati Didi initiative represents not only economic progress but also the growing confidence, independence and leadership of women.
“I Will Fulfil My Duty as a Brother with Complete Sincerity”
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said, “As a brother, I will always fulfil my duty with complete sincerity.”
He said serving mothers and sisters is among his highest priorities and that it is a matter of pride for him to serve the women of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand as their brother and son.
The Chief Minister assured the gathering that the government would continue working with the same commitment until every woman in Uttarakhand is respected, safe, empowered and economically self-reliant.
Dignitaries Present
The programme was attended by Minister of State Mohini Pokhariya, Block Pramukh Sarita Rana, Shobha Rana, Kulwinder Kaur, Harikesh Chand, Poonam, Mamta Chufal, Mandal President Maya Joshi, Bhagirathi Kholia, Anjana Ado, former Gram Pradhan Shobha Rana, Rekha Rana, Geeta, Lakshmi, Chandrakala Rautela, Vimla, Saroj Kushwaha, District Panchayat President Ajay Maurya, Municipal Chairperson Ramesh Chandra Joshi, Minister of State Gambhir Singh Dhami, Randeep Pokhariya, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadouria, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Ganpati and hundreds of women and other participants.
