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Hyderabad : In a significant move, the Congress-led government in Telangana has inaugurated the ‘Maha Lakshmi scheme,’ providing free travel for women, girls, and transgender individuals. The initiative, which encompasses six guarantees, was officially approved by the newly sworn-in Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy.
Manifesto Implementation: The Maha Lakshmi scheme, part of the Congress party’s September 18 Manifesto for Telangana, promises free bus travel for women and a monthly stipend of ₹2500 under the Mahalaxmi Yojana.
Approval of Guarantees: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy endorsed all six guarantees outlined by the Congress party, solidifying the commitment to women’s welfare in Telangana.
Effective Date: The scheme, effective from December 9, 2023, aims to benefit girls, women of all age groups, and transgender individuals in state-run Palle Velugu and express buses operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC).
Intra-state Travel: Beneficiaries can travel freely within the borders of Telangana State in Palle Velugu and Express buses, with inter-state travel being complimentary up to the borders of Telangana State.
Reimbursement Mechanism: The Telangana government will reimburse TSRTC for chargeable fares based on the actual distance traveled by women passengers.
Smart Card Initiative: Plans are in motion to introduce a software-based “Maha Lakshmi” smart card, streamlining the process for beneficiaries to access scheme benefits efficiently.
Responsibility Delegated: The Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TSRTC are entrusted with overseeing further actions and issuing detailed instructions for the effective implementation of the Maha Lakshmi scheme.
The ‘Maha Lakshmi’ scheme stands as a testament to Telangana’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, providing tangible support to women and transgender individuals in the state.
