Taking an important step towards promoting social inclusion in Delhi, the Delhi government has decided to provide major relief in public transport for the transgender community. The government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that now transgender citizens living in Delhi will also be able to travel free in DTC and cluster buses.
What is the purpose of this decision of the government?
Till now this facility was available mainly to women, but now it has been extended to the transgender community also. Under this decision of the government, transgender passengers have been allowed to travel on all bus routes of the capital without paying fare. According to officials, the move is aimed at providing economic relief to the transgender community and providing them an opportunity to travel freely in the city.
It is believed that this decision will bring a lot of convenience in their daily life and it will become more comfortable for them to use public transport. The government says that this initiative is a step taken towards strengthening the dignity, security and equal rights of transgender persons. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that her government is committed to creating a Delhi where every citizen can get equal opportunities and respect.
Features of Pink Saheli Smart Card
Describing this scheme as an initiative to promote social justice and equality, he said that by extending this facility already available to women to the transgender community, the government has shown its commitment towards inclusive development. Earlier, the government had also launched ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ scheme for women and transgender citizens. Through this card, passengers just have to tap the card while boarding the bus, so that they can travel for free. This card is linked to Aadhaar and mobile number, which makes the identification process easier and also improves security.
According to the information, this smart card can be made at more than 50 centers in the capital. These include District Magistrate Office, SDM Office and some centers associated with Delhi Transport Corporation. Girls aged 12 years and above and transgender persons having proof of residence of Delhi are eligible for this facility.
Although the pink paper ticket system already running in buses will still continue, the government believes that the smart card system will make the travel process faster, safer and more convenient. This new system will also help in making public transport more inclusive.
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