The free bus travel provided by the governments in the two Telugu states, fulfilling the promises made to the people during the elections, is receiving good reception. Compared to the past, after the free bus travel became available, the number of women traveling in RTC buses has increased significantly. Incidents of women jostling for seats in buses have also come to light.
However, criticism is being leveled that such schemes are being implemented even for those who are not financially needy and government resources are being spent, which is leading to a lack of funds for development programs. On this occasion, the comments made by BJP leader and AP Health Minister Satya Kumar on this scheme are becoming controversial.
Satya Kumar has humorously described the logistical problems related to the implementation of the scheme and the problems that arise when a large number of women travel in buses. His satires have caused discussions in some political circles.
“Women have made good use of the Stree Shakti free bus scheme. Once, if they wanted to go to their mother’s or mother-in-law’s house, they would think for a few days and then collect money. Now the situation has changed. They go on whatever day they feel like watching”, he said.
“They go to each place in the morning, evening, and afternoon and watch a serial. In the past, the daughters-in-law used to fight on their phones. But now, with the availability of free travel, they go in buses and fight again and come home in the evening. Our Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has provided such a facility to women”, he added.
In AP, the Chandrababu Naidu government, as part of its Super Six program, started free bus travel on August 15. Every day, about 18-20 lakh people travel in RTC buses. Due to this, all the buses look crowded. Compared to the past, after the availability of free bus travel, the number of women traveling in RTC buses is increasing drastically.
