Hyderabad: The Telangana Congress government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, officially initiated the ‘Maha Lakshmi’ scheme today. This progressive initiative, outlined in the Congress party’s September 18 manifesto, offers free bus travel to women, girls, and transgender persons in the state.
The ‘6 Guarantees-Maha Lakshmi’ scheme, approved by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, encompasses free travel for girls, women of all age groups, and transgender individuals in state-operated Palle Velugu and express buses by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). Effective from December 9, 2023, beneficiaries can travel anywhere within the borders of Telangana State without incurring any charges.
As part of the scheme, women in Telangana will also receive Rs 2500 monthly under the Mahalaxmi Yojana. The government aims to reimburse TSRTC for chargeable fares based on the actual distance traveled by women passengers, extending the benefit to inter-state Express and Palle Velugu buses up to Telangana’s borders.
To enhance the scheme’s efficiency, plans are in progress to introduce a software-based “Maha Lakshmi” smart card. This card will streamline the process, ensuring seamless access to the scheme’s benefits. The Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TSRTC have been entrusted with executing further necessary actions and providing detailed instructions for the scheme’s effective implementation.
The ‘Maha Lakshmi’ scheme underscores the government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and providing essential services to women and transgender individuals, contributing to a more equitable and accessible public transportation system in Telangana.
