For almost a year now, we have been hearing discussions about free travel for women in government and Smart City buses. Now that the decision has been implemented, it is important to talk about what is actually happening on the ground.

First of all, giving women free travel is a good step. For many women who travel every day for work, studies, shopping or other important needs, saving even a small amount every day can make a difference.
But there is one question we should honestly ask:
Who are the women actually using these free buses?
There is nothing wrong with anyone using a government facility if they are eligible for it. But if the main purpose of this decision is to provide financial relief to women who actually need it, then the government should also study who is benefiting the most from it.
Are we mainly helping women who genuinely need this support, or are women government employees, who already receive a regular salary, also using the same free facility? They are obviously eligible if the scheme covers them, but if the purpose is to provide financial relief to those who need it the most, shouldn't there be some discussion about whether the benefit is reaching the right people?
Women government employees can also use private transport options such as autos and cabs when required, while many students and other young people struggle to manage their daily travelling expenses.
And this brings us to another important question: What about students?
Because of this, buses are becoming overcrowded. There are situations where drivers refuse to allow more passengers because the bus is already full. They also have to think about traffic challans if they carry more passengers than allowed.
Then women get angry with the driver.
But the question is the driver really at fault?
If the government knew for almost a year that this decision was coming, why wasn't proper planning done? Why aren't there enough buses to handle the increased number of passengers?
If the government can introduce free travel for women, then why can't equal attention be given to a 50% student concession?
This is not about saying that women should not get free travel. They absolutely should, especially those who genuinely need it.
But government policies should also be balanced and should consider the needs of students.
At the same time, the increase in female passengers has created another problem overcrowding. Drivers sometimes refuse to take more passengers because the bus is already full. Then passengers blame the driver, even though the driver is simply trying to follow the rules.
There is a rule for 50% concession on public transport fares for students in Jammu & Kashmir, so why is this not being properly implemented?
Students travel every day to schools, colleges, universities, coaching centres and other educational institutions. For many families, daily travelling expenses become a real burden.
Why is the present government not giving the same attention to this issue?
This is not about opposing free travel for women. Women deserve support. But students deserve support too.
If the government wants public transport to truly serve the public, it needs to increase the number of buses, control overcrowding, ensure women's safety and, most importantly, properly implement the 50% student concession in Jammu & Kashmir.
A good policy is not enough. What matters is how fairly and effectively it is implemented.

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