Delhi Chief Minister Rejects False Claims About Pink Saheli Card Functionality
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday firmly dismissed allegations that the 'Pink Saheli Card' is not working properly. She asserted that certain political figures are deliberately spreading false rumors to undermine the initiative.
Political Propaganda Alleged in Pink Card Controversy
"Under political propaganda, a few political people are attempting to spread rumors about the 'Pink Card' for the women of Delhi," stated CM Gupta. She specifically addressed claims that the card cannot be tapped again after one bus journey, calling this "a lie" and confirming that "your cards are working 100% fine."
The chief minister emphasized that the benefits of this travel scheme are not going to any private individual, which she believes is "irking some people." She reassured women that they need not worry and can easily obtain their Pink Cards.
CM Gupta Takes Aim at Aam Aadmi Party
CM Gupta also took a direct jab at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), claiming they are "annoyed" by welfare initiatives being provided to women. This includes both the Pink Saheli Card and bicycle distribution programs.
"When 'AAP' are irked by the daughters' bicycles, how will the Saheli Pink Card appeal to them," she questioned. On social media platform X, she wrote: "The Pink Saheli Card is working perfectly. Free rides. Tap it. Stay worry-free."
Four Major Women's Welfare Schemes Launched
Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu officially launched four significant women's welfare schemes of the Delhi government at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to supporting women across the capital.
Pink Saheli Smart Card Details
The Pink Card operates within the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework, providing eligible women and transgender residents with free bus travel throughout Delhi. The innovative card also enables paid travel on both the Metro system and the Regional Rapid Transit System through a single touch-free smart card.
Distribution will occur at approximately 50 District Magistrate/Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices and selected Delhi Transport Corporation centers. Eligibility verification will utilize Aadhaar authentication, with cards linked directly to beneficiaries' mobile numbers for enhanced security and convenience.
Chief Minister Gupta declared that this initiative "will prove to be a milestone in making public transport more accessible, safe, and digital" for women across the city.
Additional Welfare Initiatives Announced
The government introduced three additional schemes alongside the Pink Card:
- Free LPG Cylinder Scheme: This program provides two free LPG cylinders during festival seasons through Direct Benefit Transfer. An amount equivalent to the current price of one cylinder will be deposited into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the family head. Approximately 15.50 lakh ration card-holding families are expected to benefit from this initiative.
- Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana: Focused on financial empowerment for daughters, this scheme deposits Rs 56,000 in the name of a girl child through instalments. With accumulated interest, the amount is projected to exceed Rs 1 lakh by the time the beneficiary reaches 21 years of age.
- Meri Punji Mera Adhikaar: This measure ensures timely and transparent disbursement of pending financial dues, addressing citizens' financial rights through systematic implementation.
These comprehensive welfare schemes represent a significant investment in women's empowerment and financial security across Delhi, with the Pink Saheli Card serving as a flagship initiative for improving public transportation access.
