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Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mind the Gap: How free bus rides are changing the lives of women
Shobha, the mother of a daughter who needs fortnightly hospital visits for a chronic kidney ailment, is talking about how her life changed after the Karnataka government introduced free bus rides for women in June 2023. Women travel by a bus in Bengaluru after the Karnataka government launched the 'Shakti' scheme which provides free bus travel for women across the state.. (PTI) 'For me, using an auto was out of the question. Even the bus fare was expensive,' the Bengaluru-based home-maker said. 'Now if I can save ₹50, I can buy some fruit for my daughter.' Since she stopped having to buy tickets on the bus, Shobha said, she has saved ₹40,000 in the post office—money she is keeping aside for her daughter's education. Shobha is speaking at a conference to launch a report on the impact of free bus fares across India. The study by Sustainable Mobility Network, a coalition of 20 organisations that focus on clean, equitable and accessible transport systems, and Nikore Associates, an economics research and policy advisory think-tank, finds that subsidised bus travel schemes are a 'transformative policy intervention for advancing women's urban mobility.' In a country where the bus is the primary mode of transport for three in four women in cities and are a 'foundational element of women's mobility' particularly in lower-income groups, the subsidies provide substantial financial relief for women, finds the report. Hazira Leena, a beautician in Bengaluru, spoke of how earlier she would take an uber to go to clients. Now it makes sense for her to hop on the bus which costs nothing. Her savings? At least ₹7,000 a month. Across India, in cities that have fully subsidized fares and even those that are only partly subsidized (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur), women are saving between 32% to 53.5% of their monthly transport expenses, finds the report. This money is being ploughed into family budgets for childrens' education, healthcare and emergency funds. But the bus is also expanding opportunity. Rama Gera who works with women waste-pickers at Bhalsawa on the outskirts of Delhi spoke about a woman who had developed terrible allergies sorting through waste but had no choice but to keep at it because as a single mother she had no other source of income. With a pink ticket on the bus, she now commutes the 7-kilometre distance to reach the middle-class colony where she has taken up part-time work in four or five households. Ticket to ride Free bus travel(HT file photo) In October 2019, the Aam Aadmi Party became the first government in the world to introduce free bus travel to enhance women's mobility and safety. That idea has caught on and subsidized bus fares for women have now been implemented in Karnataka, where it was a poll promise of the Congress government, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Telangana. Earlier this week, Chandrababu Naidu announced free bus rides for women in Andhra Pradesh, scheduled to roll out on Independence Day. Partly subsidized fares of 50% have also been rolled out in cities in Maharashtra including Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. In all these states, this much is clear: More women are taking the bus. In 2019 in Delhi, women were just 33% of commuters on the bus. In 2023, it was 42%, finds research published in March this year by Harshita Jamba and others for WRI India, an independent charity that works on socially equitable development. Over 60% of the 2,000-odd women interviewed in that study said they used the bus for work and education, another 16% were for medical visits, household shopping and accompanying children. The further they went, the greater women's access to opportunities in study, jobs and healthcare, found the WRI study. An earlier study in 2017 by Girija Borker found that women students in Delhi University would rather take admission in colleges where their commute would be shorter, even if they had got admission into higher ranked colleges further away from home. Now, women are able to travel further and more frequently, and students are benefitting the most. The link between free bus rides and women's employment is, as yet, mixed. Cities with well-functioning bus systems, such as Bengaluru and Hubli, show higher employment gains. In Mumbai with limited bus fleets and peak-hour ticket shortages, only 3% of women reported employment improvement. There are safety concerns, including poor lighting in bus-stops. Delhi also reports a problem unique to it where women complain that drivers whiz by when they see too many women at the stop. 'It's not like the fare is going from their pocket, but they won't stop if they see too many of us,' said Rinku, a domestic worker in Delhi. There is open resentment too from paying male passengers who heckle women for being 'freeloaders'. In a post that went viral in January this year, a man from Bengaluru asked why all women, regardless of their income, travelled free. Cost-benefit analysis Delhi Transport Corporation's (DTC) first woman driver Vankadarath Saritha, at Sarojni Nagar DTC Bus Depot, in New Delhi. (HT file photo) Savings, an increase in ridership, access to greater opportunities and a possible boost to employment are all the undeniable benefits of subsidized bus travel. But these come at a cost. In Delhi, government estimates are ₹1,200 crore a year. In Karnataka, the cost of the Shakti scheme which crossed 500 crore riders earlier the month is ₹12,614 crores. In Andhra Pradesh, the projected cost is ₹2,200 a year. In Delhi, a new BJP government headed by chief minister Rekha Gupta has announced tweaks to the existing scheme that will replace pink tickets with a new Aadhar-linked pass that requires proof of address so that it's limited to Delhi residents. This would exclude those who live in surrounding areas like Gurgaon and Noida as well as marginalised women who lack formal documents. But suggests Avinash Dubedi, programme head for transport, WRI India, perhaps we need to look at subsidised bus tickets as a service. In our crowded, choked cities, the social and environmental benefits of public transportation in terms of reducing vehicular traffic and bringing down emissions cannot be over-stated. It's a goal that needs to be expanded, not shrunk. Savings on public transport expenditure benefit not just the individual woman but her entire family. 'Daily bus fares determine whether women can work or study,' said Mitali Nikore, founder of Nikore Associates. But, she adds, subsidies cannot work alone without corresponding fleet expansion or improvement in safety. 'Gender-inclusive cities need comprehensive policies and infrastructure investments, not just fare subsidies.' Please don't look away Hidaya, a 31-year-old Palestinian mother, cradles her sick 18-month-old son Mohammed al-Mutawaq. (Omar Al-Qattaa / AFP) One of my endeavours in writing on gender is to highlight positive stories of hope and achievement rather than simply report on crime and violence. But this week's photographs of sick and starving children are so horrific that they simply cannot be ignored. The situation in Gaza is dire. Everybody is suffering. But those paying the heaviest price are mothers and their children. In the middle of a 'man-made starvation', to use the World Health Organization's term, 1,000 people have been killed since May by Israeli forces while seeking food in Gaza. These starving people must now choose between getting killed while getting aid, or letting their families die without it. Food and aid is available in trucks waiting at the border. But distribution is under the control of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that allows only a trickle through just four sites, opened on average for 11 minutes. Over 100 aid organisations are saying their own humanitarian workers are starving. Journalists and stringers for media organisations have no food. Mothers must choose how to apportion scarcely available food. Over 20% of pregnant and breast-feeding women are malnourished, some severely. Please don't look away.
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Karnataka forging ahead despite constraints: CM
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the Centre of 'reducing the state's urea allocation', leading to a shortage at a time when sowing activity is in full swing following good rainfall. He said the state has received favourable rains this season and that sowing activity has picked up significantly. However, he claimed the reduced supply of urea has led to a shortage, affecting farmers during this crucial period. During a review meeting with district in-charge ministers, cabinet colleagues, and legislators on governance and development issues, the chief minister's office shared these observations. Against the requirement of 11.17 lakh metric tonnes (MT) between April and July, only 5.17 lakh MT has been supplied, resulting in a shortfall of 1.66 lakh MT, he said. 'The allocation was curtailed despite an increase in hybrid jowar sowing by two lakh hectares this year. Despite the Centre's non-cooperation, our farmers should not face any hardship,' he claimed. Calling the BJP's protests over the issue 'politically motivated' and 'shameful', Siddaramaiah urged legislators to clarify the situation to their constituents. He also blamed the previous BJP government for what he termed as 'financial mismanagement', and alleged that works worth Rs 2.70 lakh crore were undertaken without budgetary allocation, including Rs 1.66 lakh crore under the then chief minister's discretionary quota, leaving behind unpaid bills of over Rs 72,000 crore. The CM claimed that Karnataka's share of central taxes had been reduced by 23 per cent under the 15th Finance Commission, resulting in a loss of over Rs 68,000 crore in the last five years. Despite such losses, the state continues to spend Rs 52,000 crore annually on guarantee schemes and Rs 1.12 lakh crore on social pensions, subsidies, and other beneficiary-oriented programmes, he added. Implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations has increased the state's salary and pension bill to Rs 1.24 lakh crore this year, he said, adding that Rs 83,200 crore is being invested in capital expenditure—20.03 per cent of the state budget—one of the highest in the country. An additional Rs 45,600 crore is being spent on debt servicing, he added. Referring to central data, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka now ranks first in the country in per capita income at constant prices, at Rs 2,04,605 for 2024-25. Citing studies, he said the 'Shakti' scheme has contributed to a 23 per cent rise in women's employment in Bengaluru and 21 per cent in Dharwad. 'These are encouraging indicators,' he said. 'Despite the Centre's non-cooperation and the financial mess left by the previous government, we are steering the administration in a better direction,' he claimed. Siddaramaiah also emphasised the need for effective implementation of budgetary promises and directed ministers and legislators to actively participate in Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meetings. 'These meetings must be used to address people's grievances, technical hurdles in project implementation, bureaucratic delays, and negligence,' he added. Highlighting Karnataka's economic progress, he urged MLAs to inform voters that the state's five guarantee schemes (Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya and Yuva Nidhi) were key contributors to the improvement in per capita income. 'This is a matter of pride for the state,' he added. He thanked legislators for their cooperation and announced a special grant of Rs 50 crore for developmental works, calling for its optimal and transparent utilisation. The meeting also reviewed district-wise development activities, agricultural progress, and the utilisation of released funds, with officials instructed to expedite project execution with clear deadlines.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
DGP Harish Kumar Gupta vows stern action against human trafficking
Vijayawada: Marking the World Day Against Human Trafficking , Andhra Pradesh director general of police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta unveiled a poster themed "Human Trafficking is an Organised Crime – End the Exploitation" at his office on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, the DGP warned that the AP Police would deal sternly with those involved in human trafficking. He described human trafficking as a grave crime that violates individual freedom, rights, and human values. The DGP noted that women and children are among the most vulnerable groups falling victim to trafficking worldwide. To protect the rights of trafficking victims, a dedicated unit has been established within the Women and Child Safety Wing. This unit focuses on ensuring the safety of victims, strict enforcement of laws, and dismantling trafficking networks by imposing stringent punishments on traffickers and their accomplices. Gupta said the police machinery is committed to holding traffickers accountable, ensuring protection and rehabilitation of victims, and providing justice through coordinated efforts. He urged the public to report any information related to human trafficking through the emergency number 112, by pressing the "Illegal Activities" button in the Shakti App, or by messaging the Shakti WhatsApp number 79934 85111. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo He also informed that Anti-Human Trafficking Cells are operational in all 26 districts of the state under the supervision of the Women Police Station SHOs. Citizens were encouraged to report suspicious individuals or activities to their local police, with the assurance that informant details would be kept confidential.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Look forward to enabling deeper Vietnam–India economic partnerships: Gautam Adani
New Delhi: Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Wednesday met To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, saying that he looks forward to enabling deeper Vietnam–India economic partnerships. In a post on social media platform X, Gautam Adani hailed Lam's bold reforms and visionary agenda to position Vietnam as a regional leader across sectors, including ports and energy. 'It was a privilege to meet H.E. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. His bold reforms and visionary agenda to position Vietnam as a regional leader in energy, logistics, ports and aviation reflect exceptional strategic foresight," said the billionaire industrialist. Gautam Adani further added that "We look forward to contributing to this transformative journey and enabling deeper Vietnam–India economic partnerships". India and Vietnam have longstanding trade and economic relations. According to official data for FY25, bilateral trade reached $15.76 billion, registering an increase of 6.40 per cent year-on-year. India's exports to Vietnam amounted to $5.43 billion, while Indian imports from Vietnam amounted to $10.33 billion. In FY 2024-2025, Vietnam was India's 20th largest trading partner and 15th largest export destination globally. Last week, India's Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeeep Arya, visited Tien Sa Port as Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan made a port call in Vietnam's Da Nang, highlighting efforts to deepen maritime ties and advance maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment aligns with India's vision of 'MAHASAGAR' and underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to being a preferred partner. The visit to Vietnam marks another milestone in strengthening the India-Vietnam strategic partnership and advancing a rules-based, inclusive maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Vietnam became a participant in the BRICS in January this year. India and Vietnam share traditionally close and warm bilateral relations that are denominated as a comprehensive strategic partnership. India-Vietnam relations were elevated in 2016 to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam. Notably, earlier, the relations were designated as a 'Strategic Partnership'.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Indian Naval ships arrive in the Philippines to strengthen maritime ties
Manila: Indian naval ships, INS Mysore, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti, received a warm welcome from the Philippine Navy during their port call to the Southeast Asian country on Tuesday. The visit aims to strengthen maritime ties and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. "Welcome aboard. The Philippine Navy welcomes aboard the country the Indian Navy Ships INS Mysore (D60), INS Kiltan (P30) and INS Shakti (A57)," the Philippine Navy posted on X. The deployment aligns with India's vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) and underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to being a preferred partner. Defence cooperation is one of the strong pillars of bilateral relations and a promising area for future collaboration between India and the Philippines. Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships regularly visit the Philippines and hold consultations with their counterparts, as three Indian Navy(IN) Ships of the Eastern Fleet, INS Delhi, Shakti and Kiltan, visited Manila in May 2024. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), earlier visits and port calls of Indian naval ships include ICG Samudra Paheredar in March 2024; INS Kadmatt in Dec 2023; INS Satpura in June 2022; INS Ranvijay and INS Kora in August 2021; INS Kiltan in Jul 2021; INS Sahyadri and INS Kiltan in Oct 2019 and ICGS Shaunak in Feb 2019. Given the objective of expanding institutional maritime engagement, the inaugural India-Philippines Track-1 Maritime Dialogue held in Manila in December 2024, during which both sides exchanged views on prevailing maritime challenges and discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation between the two countries. As part of the Indian Navy's ongoing Operational Deployment to South East Asia, Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan of the Eastern Fleet, under the Command of RAdm Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), on July 24, had made a port call to Tien Sa Port, Da Nang in Vietnam. The visit to Vietnam marked another milestone in strengthening the India-Vietnam strategic partnership and advancing a rules-based, inclusive maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. "Personnel from both navies will take part in a broad spectrum of professional interactions, including operational planning discussions and onboard briefings, aimed at strengthening interoperability and mutual understanding. Additionally, the visit will feature several community and cultural outreach activities, friendly sports fixtures and guided ship tours," the Indian Navy stated.
