Uttar Pradesh Free Bus Travel Scheme for Elderly Women
Source:etvbharat ↗
Why It Matters
UPPSC Prelims frequently asks questions about state-specific welfare schemes, government initiatives for women, and prominent regional historical personalities. Knowing the exact names of the schemes (like Kanya Sumangala Yojana) and the historical women warriors honored by the state government is highly relevant.
Summary
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the 'Lokmata Ahilyabai Matri Shakti Nishulk Bus Yatra,' granting free bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan and lifetime free travel for women aged 60 and above. The government has prioritized women's empowerment by increasing the number of women in the police force and establishing working women hostels named after Ahilyabai Holkar. Additionally, three women police battalions were named after iconic freedom fighters Uda Devi Pasi, Avanti Bai Lodhi, and Jhalkari Bai Kori. The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of various state welfare programs, including the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana and Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana.
Key Points
- The UP government launched the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matri Shakti Nishulk Bus Yatra, providing 48-hour free bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan and lifetime free travel for women aged 60 and above.
- Working women hostels in 11 districts are being established and named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
- Three women police battalions have been named after prominent regional historical figures: Uda Devi Pasi, Avanti Bai Lodhi, and Jhalkari Bai Kori.
- Women empowerment initiatives in UP include expanding female police personnel from 10,000 to 45,000, establishing AI-based Safe City networks, and providing drone tech training to SHG women.
Important Terms
Lokmata Ahilyabai Matri Shakti Nishulk Bus Yatra
A UP scheme providing free bus travel for women for three days during Raksha Bandhan, and offering lifetime free travel on state and city buses for women aged 60 and above.
UPSC context
Crucial for UPPSC GS Papers 5 & 6 (UP Specific Knowledge) to illustrate state initiatives for women's mobility and welfare.
Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana
A flagship Uttar Pradesh scheme offering phased financial assistance—up to ₹25,000—to eligible families for a girl child’s well-being, distributed across six stages from birth to higher education.
UPSC context
Vital for UPPSC GS Paper 2 & 5 (Social Justice). Showcases state intervention against female foeticide and educational dropouts.
Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana
A UP government nutrition program providing a nutritious morning meal to children aged 3 to 6 at Anganwadi centers, aiming to combat malnutrition and support families under the Zero Poverty Mission.
UPSC context
Relevant to UPPSC GS Paper 2 & 5 (Health, Poverty). Demonstrates state-level strategies to address severe acute malnutrition and child development.
Mission Shakti
An umbrella campaign launched by Uttar Pradesh to enhance women's safety, dignity, and self-reliance through community outreach, female beat police officers, dedicated help desks, and socio-economic empowerment programs.
UPSC context
Key for UPPSC GS Papers 2, 3 & 5 (Internal Security, Social Issues). Highlights integrated governance approaches to women's safety.
Prelims Trap
The Lokmata Ahilyabai Matri Shakti Yatra grants lifetime free bus travel to all women in UP.
The lifetime free travel applies exclusively to women aged 60 and above. For all other women, the free travel is limited to 48 hours during Raksha Bandhan.
Static Concepts Connected
Who were the key female warriors of the 1857 Revolt from present-day Uttar Pradesh?
- Uda Devi Pasi: Fought in Awadh; acted as a sniper at Sikandar Bagh (Lucknow) inflicting heavy British casualties before her martyrdom.
- Jhalkari Bai: Advisor and body-double to Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, commanding the women's brigade known as the 'Durga Dal'.
- Avanti Bai Lodhi: Queen of Ramgarh who led an army against the British; UP's Budaun PAC battalion is named after her.
What were the major cultural and administrative contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar?
- Malwa Ruler: An 18th-century Maratha Queen who ruled the Malwa kingdom efficiently from her capital at Maheshwar.
- Temple Reconstruction: Rebuilt numerous temples and ghats across India, most notably the historic Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi in 1780.
Cross-Topic Patterns
UP Schemes & Historical Branding
Naming modern welfare and security initiatives (hostels, PAC battalions) after subaltern and regional heroines bridges UP specific current affairs with modern history, a frequent UPPSC integration.
Women Policing & AI Safe City Project
The expansion of female police from 10k to 45k ties directly to UP's internal security and the AI-based Safe City project, highly relevant for Mains GS-3 and GS-5 (UP Special).
Match-the-following pairing female 1857 freedom fighters (Uda Devi, Jhalkari Bai) with their regions or PAC battalions is highly probable.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2021UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following Schemes in Uttar Pradesh were introduced in Budget of 2021-22? I. Atmanirbhar Krishak Samanvit Vikas Yojna II. Mukhya Mantri Saksham Suposhan Yojna III. Mukhya Mantri Pravasi Shramik Udyamita Vikas Yojna IV. Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following scheme/s is/are related to Uttar Pradesh? (1) Anuthee Uphar Scheme (2) Matra Shakti Udyamita Scheme (3) Kaushalya Matritva Scheme (4) Stree Nidhi Scheme Select the 'correct' answer using the code given below -
- 2024UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Arrange the following schemes launched by the Government of India in chronological order and choose the correct answer from the codes given below : 1. Swachh Bharat Mission 2. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana 4. Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Codes :
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Who among the following women freedom fighter was not associated with 'Quit India Movement'?
