5 Ways in which women would benefit from 2015 Rail Budget

The Indian government has been emphasizing on the need for women empowerment. First the ‘Naari Shakti’ display at the Republic Day Parade and then the launching of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign: the government is trying to promote the women agenda through different programmes. With the announcement of the Rail Budget this afternoon, women will also find relief when travelling by trains in the country. Here are the top 5 ways n which women will benefit from the Budget.

CLEANER TOILETS

If you have ever travelled by trains, you know the discomfort of using the public lavatories currently available. Women, who are more susceptive to infections, are the worst affected. The Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu announced the ‘Swacch Rail’ campaign, under which, new and cleaner bio-toilets will be made for better comfort and cleanliness for the passengers. Women, of course, will benefit hugely from this.

WOMEN’S SAFETY

Ensuring the safety of the women passengers in the trains is imperative today. It was announced that CCTV cameras will be installed in selected coaches to provide security for the women travelling alone. The passengers will also be alerted by SMSs of any changes in the arrival or departure of the trains. This again would be helpful for women, who can time their arrival at the station more accurately and wouldn’t have to wait around at stations unnecessarily.

Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu
Picture By: India.com

HELPLINE NUMBERS

Two 24x7 toll-free helpline numbers will be introduced in trains starting 1^st March 2015. The passengers can dial 138 while in the train to register any complaints and to make any inquiry related queries. In case of security concerns, women can call helpline number 182. The funds for this helpline, Prabhu informed, will be provided by the Nirbhaya Fund.

BETTER COMFORT FOR PREGNANT AND DIFFERENTLY ABLED

National Institute of Design has been approached to design user friendly ladders for climbing upper berths. This will be a big help for pregnant women along with senior citizens. There will also be an increase in the quota of lower berths. Under this, Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) will be instructed to help senior citizens, pregnant women and differently-abled individuals in obtaining lower berths. Selected train stations too will also get lifts and escalators.

PROMOTION OF SELF-HELP WOMEN GROUPS

Under the announced policy, promotion of products made by Self Help Groups, consisting mainly of women and youth will also be done. This will be based on the model of the Konkan Railway.

Indian Mirror>