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Delhi's Pink Saheli Smart Card: Free Travel for Women and Transgender Commuters

The Delhi government has launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card to provide free travel for women and transgender individuals. This initiative allows daughters, sisters, and mothers above 12 years to ride DTC and cluster buses without cost. Simultaneously, the government has approved recognition for private schools in non-conforming areas. These reforms aim to enhance mobility access and educational opportunities across the capital city.

Key Points: Delhi Govt Launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Free Bus Travel

  • Free travel initiative for women and transgender commuters across Delhi buses
  • Smart card scheme covers DTC and cluster bus services
  • Available for daughters, sisters and mothers above age 12
  • Part of broader education reforms recognizing private schools
2 min read

Delhi govt announces 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' to provide free travel for women and transgender commuters across DTC buses

Delhi government introduces Pink Saheli Smart Card offering free travel for women and transgender individuals across DTC and cluster buses in the capital.

"This is not just administrative reform, it is justice for our children, fairness for our institutions and a genuine step towards democratising education in Delhi. - Ashish Sood, Delhi Education Minister"

New Delhi, November 2

The Delhi government has announced that it would launch the 'Pink Saheli Smart Card', a special initiative aimed at providing free and convenient travel for women and transgender individuals across Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses.

With this new scheme, daughters, sisters, and mothers above the age of 12 can now enjoy free rides across the capital.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made the announcement on X post.

https://x.com/gupta_rekha/status/1984823104430838005

Earlier, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Friday announced that the Delhi government has taken a historic and significant decision under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to grant recognition to private unaided schools operating in non-conforming areas of the city.

According to a release, it's a long-pending reform that restores the constitutional right to education for thousands of children across the city.

According to this decision, all private unaided schools that have been functioning in non-conforming areas for a long time but have not yet obtained recognition from the Directorate of Education, either due to procedural reasons or due to the discriminatory approach of previous governments, can now apply for recognition from the Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi.

The Directorate of Education's online portal for submission of applications opened on November 1, 2025. All such schools willing to seek recognition may apply till November 30, 2025. After the completion of the application process, the received applications will be scrutinised, and a list of such schools that meet all the prescribed criteria for recognition will be issued thereafter, the release said.

The Education Minister said, "For over a decade, this issue remained buried in files while children were denied their constitutional right to education. Previous governments played favouritism, recognising a few while neglecting many. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, we have ended this selective discrimination. This is not just administrative reform, it is justice for our children, fairness for our institutions and a genuine step towards democratising education in Delhi."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support women empowerment, I hope the government also considers fare concessions for students and senior citizens. The transport system needs to be affordable for all sections of society.
A
Ananya R
As a transgender person, I feel seen and included for the first time in public transport policies. This is progressive and much-needed. Thank you for recognizing our community's needs! 🌈
V
Vikram M
Great initiative but implementation is key. Hope the government ensures there are enough buses and proper infrastructure to handle the increased ridership. Delhi's public transport needs major upgrades.
S
Sarah B
This is a fantastic step toward gender equality! Free transport can empower so many women to pursue education and employment opportunities they might otherwise miss. Well done Delhi government!
K
Karthik V
The education reforms mentioned here are equally important. Regularizing schools in non-conforming areas will benefit thousands of children. Both these policies show genuine commitment to social welfare.
M
Michael C
As an expat living in Delhi, I'm impressed by these inclusive policies. The Pink Saheli card and education reforms show real progress in making the city more equitable. Hope other cities follow this model.

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