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Stree Shakti Scheme: Empowerment Through Mobility, Challenges of Sustainability

Reference Article: The Hindu

UPSC Relevance:
– GS Paper II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections; Government Policies and Interventions
– GS Paper III: Infrastructure; Inclusive Growth; Sustainable Development

The Stree Shakti Scheme — providing free bus travel to girls, women, and transgender persons across Andhra Pradesh — has completed two months of operation. While it has boosted mobility and public goodwill, serious financial, infrastructural, and operational challenges question its long-term viability.

Key Features of the Scheme

  • Launch Date: August 15, 2025 (Independence Day)
  • Beneficiaries: Girls, women, and transgender persons
  • Implementing Agency: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC)
  • Objective: Promote women’s independence, mobility, and social empowerment through universal access to public transport.

Early Impact

  • Over 12 lakh passengers used the service within the first 30 hours.
  • Ridership grew from 19.6 lakh (Aug 31) to 28.3 lakh (Oct 6) per day.
  • Daily subsidy increased from ₹7.76 crore to ₹10.86 crore during this period.
  • Fleet expanded from 85 to 121 buses dedicated to Stree Shakti.

These trends demonstrate high uptake and social acceptance but also rising fiscal and logistical stress.

Financial Concerns

  • Estimated annual cost: ₹1,942 crore
  • Monthly outlay: ₹162 crore
  • Reimbursement to APSRTC is made through zero-fare tickets.
  • Sustaining such recurring expenditure poses a strain on the State exchequer, especially amid fiscal pressures or revenue fluctuations.

Operational Challenges

  • Overcrowding: Increased ridership has led to longer waiting times and pressure on the existing fleet.
  • Fleet shortage: The APSRTC awaits the arrival of 700+ electric buses, which may ease congestion.
  • Decline in fare-paying passengers: Suggests cross-subsidy issues and possible impact on revenue balance.

Green Transition

  • The Chief Minister’s plan to replace all diesel vehicles with electric buses aligns with sustainable mobility goals.
  • However, this requires:
    • High-tension supply lines and dedicated substations
    • Extensive charging infrastructure
    • Backup systems and renewable energy integration
  • Building such an ecosystem is capital-intensive and time-consuming.

Stakeholder Responses

  • Auto and maxi cab drivers: Protest revenue losses; demand increased compensation under the Auto Mitra programme (from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 annually).
  • APSRTC employees’ union:
    • Demand procurement of 2,500 new buses and 9,000 staff recruitments.
    • Oppose the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, fearing partial privatisation of bus operations.

Policy Implications

The Stree Shakti scheme demonstrates progressive social intent but exposes structural weaknesses in public transport financing and governance. The transition to electric mobility, labour concerns, and fiscal sustainability must be carefully balanced to prevent systemic stress.

Way Forward

  • Fiscal Rationalisation: Explore targeted subsidies, phased rollouts, or differential coverage to reduce fiscal burden.
  • Fleet Modernisation: Prioritise procurement of electric and efficient diesel buses with strong maintenance protocols.
  • Social Dialogue: Institutional mechanisms to consult drivers’ unions and auto operators.
  • Sustainability Audit: Regular review of cost-benefit and carbon impact.
  • Digital Integration: Smart ticketing, route optimisation, and data monitoring to improve efficiency.

Conclusion

The Stree Shakti Scheme represents a transformative welfare initiative linking gender empowerment with mobility justice. Yet, for it to be truly sustainable, Andhra Pradesh must align its fiscal discipline, green transition strategy, and labour relations with the scheme’s social objectives.

UPSC Mains Practice Question (GS Paper II):

“Women’s mobility is a key dimension of empowerment, but welfare schemes must balance inclusivity with fiscal and operational sustainability.” Examine with reference to the Stree Shakti Scheme of Andhra Pradesh.