One of the key 6 poll promises in the manifesto of NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh that gained huge traction from voters is the free bus service for women of all age groups across the state. Including this promise in the manifesto played a significant role in the landslide victory of the alliance partners in the recent assembly elections. Now that the new government has assumed charge, all eyes are on how well it lives up to the high expectations among all sections of the people.
Meanwhile, the government is keen on fulfilling all of its election promises one by one without any delay. As soon as the cabinet was formed last week, all ministers took charge quickly and started reviewing their portfolios. Already, Chief Minister Naidu approved the file relating to increase of pension from existing Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 from July 1st. Up next, the government is planning to roll out the free bus service scheme as promised in the manifesto.
As per the latest reports from Amaravati, the government has asked for a detailed report on the implementation of this scheme in neighbouring South Indian states like Telangana and Karnataka. It is a known fact that the Congress government in both these states implemented the free bus service for women scheme after coming to power in the assembly elections held last year.
The AP government has sought the newly appointed DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, who is also holding the additional charge as MD of APSRTC, to submit a comprehensive report on the rough estimation of additional burden on the exchequer if this scheme is implemented, potential administrative lapses and operational issues etc.
Meanwhile, the trade unions of APSRTC have reportedly informed the government to induct new buses for implementing this scheme. The government is likely to come up with a detailed standard operating procedure before implementing the scheme. If everything goes as per plans, the free bus service will be operational from August 15th.