Chandigarh, Feb 4: The Punjab government is set to introduce smart cards to replace Aadhaar cards as the primary identity proof for women availing free travel on state-run buses. This transition is intended to streamline the populist scheme and ensure that the financial expenditure is properly rationalized through real-time data tracking.
A senior government functionary mentioned that the state transport department is currently floating tenders for hand-held reading devices. These devices will scan the smart cards, which are being developed under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. While the scheme continues to provide free transport to nearly 3.5 lakh women daily, officials noted that the new system will help identify the rightful beneficiaries.
The project comes at a time when the state transport undertakings, including PRTC and Punjab Roadways, have reported significant financial strain. While the annual budget allocation for the scheme stands at Rs 450 crore, the actual cost of providing the facility has climbed to approximately Rs 800 crore.
“A move by the Transport Department to prepare smart cards for women availing the facility – to get real-time data of women availing the free bus travel facility – is pending with the state government,” a top official directly said regarding the implementation.
The Health Department is currently surveying beneficiaries to facilitate the rollout. The smart cards are expected to be ready for distribution within the next two months, providing a dual-purpose identity for both healthcare and transport services.
