Gonda: The Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Scheme was formally launched in Gonda on Wednesday as part of an initiative aimed at providing women with safer, easier and more dignified public transportation.
The launch programme, organised by the Transport Department (Roadways), was held at O Venkatacharya Club and included a live screening of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister flagging off special buses under the scheme. The event witnessed the participation of senior officials, public representatives and a large number of women.
District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan, Chief Development Officer Dayanand Prasad, BJP District President Akbal Bahadur Tiwari, Jhanjhari Block Pramukh representative Ashish Mishra and Mahila Morcha office-bearer Beena Rai were among those present, along with officials from various departments and public representatives.
During the programme, women were briefed about the objectives and key features of the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Scheme. Officials highlighted its focus on improving access to safe and convenient transportation for women and described the initiative as an important step towards women’s empowerment.
The live broadcast of the Chief Minister’s flag-off ceremony was watched enthusiastically by the women and public representatives present at the venue. The initiative received a positive response, with considerable enthusiasm among the participating women.
As part of the programme, sarees and sweets were distributed to more than 700 women as a gesture of respect and appreciation. The distribution brought visible happiness among the beneficiaries.
Officials and public representatives also interacted with the women and encouraged them to take advantage of various government welfare schemes. They urged the participants to spread awareness about such initiatives among other women in their communities.
Addressing the gathering, officials and representatives said government welfare programmes were aimed at ensuring facilities, dignity and opportunities for every section of society, with particular emphasis on making women more self-reliant and empowered. They described the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Scheme as an important step towards achieving these objectives.
The programme concluded on a positive note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to spreading awareness about women’s empowerment initiatives and promoting safe and accessible transportation facilities.
Among those present were the Assistant Regional Manager (ARM), Roadways; Project Director, District Rural Development Agency, Sushil Kumar Pandey; District Coordinator, National Rural Livelihood Mission, J.N. Rao; Additional District Panchayati Raj Officer G.D. Jain and other officials and representatives.
The strong participation of women contributed significantly to the success of the launch programme and underlined the importance of initiatives focused on women’s mobility, safety and empowerment.
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