LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched the ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra’ scheme, providing free bus travel to women aged 60 years and above across the state.
The Chief Minister also flagged off special buses under the initiative at an event in Lucknow, saying the scheme was aimed at making travel more convenient and dignified for women and strengthening their self-reliance.
“The maternal power that has eased the path of family and society throughout her life–our resolve to make her journey smooth and dignified is being realised in the double-engine government,” Yogi said.
He announced that on Raksha Bandhan, mothers, sisters and daughters would also be provided free bus travel along with one accompanying person.
“The honour of maternal power and their convenience is our priority,” the Chief Minister said.
The scheme has been named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, whom Yogi described as an exemplary symbol of women’s self-reliance and good governance. He said Ahilyabai had not only provided effective governance but also played a major role in preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage by restoring several temples damaged or demolished by foreign invaders.
Yogi also targeted previous governments in the state, alleging that women faced insecurity and a lack of dignity before 2017. Referring to the Samajwadi Party, he said a slogan used to echo among women at the time: “Dekh Sapai, Bitiya Ghabrai.”
He alleged that there were no integrated helplines, women’s beat systems or women’s help desks, while middlemen controlled pensions and scholarships and mafia groups operated in sectors including forest, sand, cattle and examinations.
The Chief Minister said his government had formulated a comprehensive action plan to integrate women into governance and welfare programmes, covering their journey from birth and education to employment and entrepreneurship, while ensuring their safety and dignity.
He had earlier announced the launch of the scheme in a post on X, saying the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to the convenience and dignity of women.