Joseph Vijay is Tamil Nadu CM: How his free bus scheme for women is different from the existing one

As Vijay finally becomes the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after days of political uncertainties, women in the state have quite a few benefits to look forward to. The actor-politicians had announced many initiatives for women's welfare, including 'Singa Pengal Development scheme(women empowerment),' 'Thaai Maaman Gold Ring Scheme (gold ring to newborn kids),' 'Anjalai Ammal Fast-Track Courts for Women, 'Annan Seer Scheme (silk saree and gold for brides), and six LPG cylinders to all families. One of the much-awaited schemes is the 'Vetri Prayanam scheme' aka victory journey scheme, which lets women travel the state for free, on government buses. 

Similar to the UDF's promise in Kerala, the victory journey scheme also plans to install smart panic buttons inside buses and share autorickshaws to ensure women's safety. While announcing the scheme on this year's International Women's Day, Vijay also said that around 500 safety forces named after Tamil Queen Rani Velu Nachiyar would be created. Women beat officers, in plainclothes, are to be deployed across the state to ensure safety. 

How is it different
The state already has free travel for women and transgender people in government city and town white board buses, under the 'Vidiyal Payanam' scheme launched in May, 2021. All they needed to carry with them were photo IDs. However, Vijay's Vetri Prayanam scheme is different, as it aims to extend the free ticketing scheme to all government buses, including express services. 

Interestingly, the AIADMK had promised free bus rides for men too in the state if they were elected. In Kerala too, the KSRTC started 'gender ticketing' on May 9, Saturday, to assess the number of women passengers, before they roll out the free bus ride scheme for women.