C. Joseph Vijay launched the Vettri Payanam Thittam in Chennai
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Prelims·
Women's mobility and social justice: a GS2 case study on state-led welfare and empowerment.
Why in news
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the Vettri Payanam Thittam in Chennai, expanding the Magalir Vidiyal Payanam scheme to provide free bus travel for women across most of the state.
Background
The scheme covers 12,695 buses (approx. 69% of the 18,413 buses) operated by seven State transport corporations. It is estimated to benefit 84.32 lakh women daily at an annual cost of ₹6,000 crore.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeVettri Payanam Thittam: An expansion of the Magalir Vidiyal Payanam scheme in Tamil Nadu.
- FactThe scheme covers 12,695 buses across seven State transport corporations.
- FactExclusion: Women in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts are excluded from the scheme due to bypolls.
- FactCoverage: Includes Ordinary, Express, LSS (Limited Stop Service), and Deluxe buses in cities/towns; Ordinary services in mofussil and Ghat sections beyond 40 km.
Prelims practice question
Which districts are excluded from the Vettri Payanam Thittam scheme in Tamil Nadu?
- (a)Chengalpattu and Tiruppur
- (b)Salem and Namakkal
- (c)Coimbatore and Erode
- (d)Madurai and
Show answer
Answer: (a) Chengalpattu and Tiruppur — The note specifies that women in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts are excluded from the scheme due to bypolls.
For Mains
Q. Examine the role of state-led free public transport schemes in promoting women's socio-economic empowerment and mobility in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Fiscal sustainability: Balancing the ₹6,000 crore annual expenditure with long-term state transport corporation viability
- Social inclusion: Expanding benefits to transgender persons and persons with disabilities to ensure universal mobility
Keywords: Women Empowerment · Public Transport · Social Welfare · Mobility Rights · Fiscal Federalism
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.