Women-Centric Push in UP Budget: Free Bus Rides for Seniors, Higher Welfare Allocation

The Uttar Pradesh government has proposed free travel in Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses for women aged above 60 years, unveiling the measure in its 2026-27 supplementary budget as part of a broader push to strengthen social welfare and financial security.

The government has earmarked Rs 100 crore for the initiative, describing it as the fulfilment of a key promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its election manifesto. The scheme is expected to ease travel expenses for senior women undertaking journeys for religious, social, family and medical purposes, making public transport more accessible for a vulnerable section of society.

Alongside the transport benefit, the supplementary budget has proposed an additional allocation of Rs 1,094.40 crore for the Women Welfare Department. The funding will reinforce flagship programmes, including the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana, and several initiatives focused on the protection, care and welfare of women and children.

According to an official statement, the enhanced allocation underlines the government's commitment to women's safety, dignity, social security and economic empowerment. Officials said the increased financial support is aimed at strengthening the reach and effectiveness of existing welfare programmes while expanding assistance to beneficiaries across the state.

The budget has also made a provision of Rs 10 lakh for the Mukhyamantri Shakti Samriddhi Yojana, a scheme designed to encourage the economic empowerment of women through targeted support measures.

In a separate allocation, the government has proposed an additional Rs 1.47 crore for the Department of Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply. The funds will be used for the Minor Irrigation Department's groundwater awareness and publicity programme, which seeks to promote groundwater conservation, educate citizens about its importance and encourage efficient utilisation of water resources across Uttar Pradesh.

The supplementary budget reflects the state's emphasis on social welfare, women's empowerment and sustainable resource management through targeted spending.