The newly launched free bus service for women in Jammu and Kashmir has had a phenomenal response with over 3.5 lakh women using the service in the first week after it was launched. This soaring ridership speaks not only to the demonstrated need for low-cost public transport, but some of the effects these programs can have relating to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The Jammu and Kashmir initiative is pioneering in its establishment of the shift toward creating a more progressive carriage for women’s movements that is safe and low-cost in the region.
The costs of transport have long been barriers to education, employment and social participation for men and women alike, but particularly for women, especially those that are students, working professionals or homemakers from low-income communities.
By removing this monetary burden, the government has provided thousands of women independence and opportunity. Besides the economic measure, the initiative assures safety, another issue surrounding women in public transport.
With an increased allocation of women onto public buses, there is potentially a level of security when travelling together as women or simply declining to engage with unsafe informal transport.
However, much will depend upon the authorities to continue to make sure that the efficiency and standards of maintenance and monitoring of services remain to ensure there is no crowding and can continue to maintain dignity and dignity for riders.
Some may think this is a waste of money; however, the long-term gain is the increased participation of women in the workforce, increased enrolment in higher education and raising social mobility, unhindered. When there is free and low-cost movement for women, society benefits.
There has been and would continue to be a remarkable impact of the initiative within the first week, demonstrating that policies addressing women’ issues urgently, and with real pilot services could be facilitated and become real catalysts for immediate and very substantial changes.
The administration must develop and grow the service informed by community feedback, so viability and sustainability is addressed. Other states should and must take action-investment in women’s mobility is not just a positive welfare step, it is the critical pathway to inclusive development.
This is a transport plan in Jammu and Kashmir, but it is so much more, it is a radical statement that women will no longer be rejected their right of freedom of movement. The enthusiastic response it inspired was indicative of the urgency, and must now be maintained as a model for the rest of the country.
