The state of Uttar Pradesh has decided to run free public bus services for the womenfolk on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, this year. Reportedly, the UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses are offering this special zero-cost ticket provision to the females for 24 hours, starting from 12 AM on August 21 till August 22 midnight. Intensive police patrolling will also be conducted, in line with the CM’s directives, to ensure women’s safety.
Free rides for women this Rakhsa Bandhan!
In a bid to ensure women safety this Raksha Bandhan, the UP government has decided to run free-of-cost public bus services, with intense patrolling for women. Those undertaking travel on this day, have been urged to adhere to the norms of social distancing and observe COVID-appropriate behaviour. The state has further tasked police officials to ensure absolute implementation of the same.
Besides, the UP government has announced other precautionary guidelines, with regards to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan. No public programme will be held on the occasion of Rakhi, across all districts in the state and people have been directed to celebrate the festival in their houses.
Raksha Bandhan is falling on a Sunday this year, which is under the ambit of a weekly curfew in UP. Consequently, several women’s organisations in the state have appealed to the Chief Minister, to permit the functioning of sweet shops and rakhi vendors on August 23. Last year too, the state had permitted rakhi markets to continue operations in UP despite the then imposed lockdown.
