Avinash Azad
The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to revise its Free Ride Policy for Women after the initiative—introduced with much fanfare—reportedly caused a massive ₹2 crore monthly revenue loss to the state-run transport bodies, including JKRTC and Smart City e-bus services.
Transport Minister Satish Sharma, speaking to media after the winter Darbar Move opened in Jammu on Monday, confirmed that the policy will undergo a major review. “Government policies need timely amendments. We have observed that the intended beneficiaries are not being truly benefitted,” Sharma said. “Many salaried women, including government employees, are availing free rides to reach their offices, while the deserving women from economically weaker backgrounds remain deprived.”
According to Sharma, the government has taken serious note of the financial drain the scheme has caused to the state exchequer. “Currently, the transport corporations face around ₹2 crore losses each month, which is unsustainable. To ensure that the benefits reach the right section of society and to reduce fiscal burden, the government will soon amend the policy,” he said.
Transport experts and social analysts have welcomed the government’s decision, calling it “a necessary correction” to a well-intentioned but poorly executed scheme. “The free ride scheme lacked clear eligibility criteria since its inception,” said one transport policy expert. “Most beneficiaries were working women with stable incomes, while the truly needy—daily wagers, domestic workers, and low-income women—hardly benefited. The amendment will help redirect resources to those who actually need them.”
Private transport operators have also expressed relief over the government’s move. Many complained of sharp revenue dips since the introduction of the free ride scheme, as a large share of female commuters opted for state-run buses offering free travel. Observers have urged the administration to define clear parameters for beneficiaries in the revised policy. They suggest linking eligibility to income levels or social categories to ensure transparency and fairness. “This is a welcome and timely step,” said another expert. “Every welfare scheme must balance social equity with economic sustainability. The revised policy should prioritize women who truly lack resources, not those drawing handsome salaries.”
