The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand made a special announcement on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan for women. He said that women can travel free of cost for the festival. Other states also have made announcements on similar lines. The festival of Raksha Bandhan which celebrated the bond between siblings will be celebrated on Sunday, August 22.
The Uttarakhand Cheif Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Women allowed to travel free of cost in Uttarakhand govt buses on Raksha Bandhan."
Women allowed to travel free of cost in Uttarakhand govt buses on Raksha Bandhan: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2021
(file photo) pic.twitter.com/yCB7RCzzFJ
Following this announcement, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath also issued a similar gift for the women of the state. From August 21 midnight to August 22 midnight, women can avail themselves of the free bus travel facility for 24 hours. In addition to that, the CM has also ordered intensive patrolling by the police to ensure women's safety.
Apart from this, the government has also asked the Police to take care of the COVID-19 protocols such as imposing social distancing norms and maintaining essential protocols like wearing a mask. He has also issued the guidelines where no public programme can take place in the state for the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Hence, citizens must celebrate the festival in their own homes only.
Women NGOs and other organisations have requested the Chief Minister to keep the sweet shops and rakhi vendors open on Sunday.
The Chief Minister of Harayana, Manohar Lal Khattar, also issued the same announcement allowing women to travel free of cost any place in Haryana up to Delhi and Chandigarh. The women can avail the free of cost travelling facility along with their children up to the age of 15 years. He further added, "Keeping in view of Covid-19, buses will be run with 50 per cent capacity and suitable steps will be taken for safety. Those travelling in the bus will have to take care of face masks as well as other covid protocols."