Madras High Court dismisses petition challenging Tamil Nadu’s no-fare ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Government policies & schemes· Prelims·
Women's empowerment and social welfare schemes: a GS2 case study on state-sponsored transport.
Why in news
The Madras High Court dismissed a petition by a private bus operator challenging the Tamil Nadu government's 'Vettri Payanam' scheme, which provides free travel for women.
Background
The 'Vettri Payanam' scheme provides no-fare travel to 84.32 lakh women daily across 12,695 buses in Tamil Nadu. The petition was filed by N. Kalamani, a private bus operator from Erode district.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeVettri Payanam: A Tamil Nadu government scheme providing no-fare travel to women.
- FactThe scheme covers 84.32 lakh women daily across 12,695 buses.
- PlaceErode district is located in Tamil Nadu.
- BodyMadras High Court dismissed the writ petition challenging the scheme.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Vettri Payanam scheme in Tamil Nadu, consider the following statements:
- The scheme covers approximately 84.32 lakh women on a daily basis.
- The scheme provides no-fare travel to women across 12,695 buses.
- The Madras High Court upheld a petition by a private bus operator to ban the scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Madras High Court dismissed the petition challenging the scheme.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the socio-economic implications of state-sponsored free public transport schemes for women's empowerment and the fiscal challenges of such initiatives.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Fiscal sustainability: Balancing the cost of free transit with the need for public transport infrastructure maintenance
- Social mobility: Enhancing female labor force participation by reducing commuting costs for rural and urban women
Keywords: Women Empowerment · Public Transport · Fiscal Federalism · Social Welfare · Judicial Review
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.