Maha Lakshmi Scheme : Telangana State Government issuing GO, enabling cost-free travel for women on TSRTC.

The Maha Lakshmi Scheme, the inaugural initiative among the Six Guarantees promised by the Congress government, has been officially rolled out ahead of its formal launch on Saturday. The Transport Department issued a Government Order (GO) on Friday, enabling free travel for girls, women, and transgender individuals on Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses.

Principal Secretary A Vani Prasad, in the issued GO, outlined the scheme's scope, offering free travel to girls, women, and transgender persons of all age groups who are residents of Telangana. Effective from December 9, eligible individuals can avail themselves of this benefit while traveling within the borders of Telangana using Palle Velugu and Express buses.

The GO stipulates that travel in inter-state Express and Palle Velugu buses will be free until the state borders. The State government will reimburse TSRTC for the chargeable fares that would have been collected based on the actual distance covered by women passengers.

In a forward-looking move, the TSRTC vice-chairman and managing director have been directed to develop a software-based Maha Lakshmi smart card. This initiative aims to streamline and enhance the implementation of the scheme.

The formal launch of the Maha Lakshmi Scheme is scheduled for Saturday, marking a significant step towards fulfilling one of the key promises made by the Congress government in Telangana.