Beginning Friday, ‘Zero Tickets’ were granted to women and third gender passengers travelling in RTC buses in Telangana, as part of the ‘Maha Lakshmi’ free bus travel scheme. This development essentially implies that the aforementioned group will be entitled to travel without charge, aligning with the initiatives introduced in Karnataka, Delhi, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.
Shortly thereafter, a woman from Hyderabad, Donita Jose, who availed herself of the complimentary bus ride to Charminar and shared the zero bus ticket on social media, faced a wave of criticism. Why, you ask? Well, individuals began reproaching her for showcasing something designed for the economically challenged, arguing that flaunting such privileges at the expense of others’ tax money was unwarranted.
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Donita Jose posted the ticket featuring Charminar as the backdrop with a caption that read, “My first #ZeroTicket to the beautiful Charminar… To more women stepping out and reclaiming public spaces.” Subsequently, the post gained widespread attention, drawing negative reactions.
One user rebuked, “Don’t misuse the scheme. It’s ideally for women who can’t afford. Am sure u can afford to pay. Plz pay and travel unless you can’t afford.” Another commenter remarked, “Working woman, earning well.., yet freeloading on the government..HAVE SOME SHAME !!!” A third suggested, “But Donita ji you can comfortably afford right? Next time buy ticket for some school going kid or poor guy in Bus, effectively you are transferring your free ticket to them.”
Meanwhile, those dissatisfied with the caption also voiced their opinions. “So you stayed back previously because of 20 or something ticket?” queried one. Another criticised, “You are speaking like because of the Rs30-40 tickets, earlier women used to refrain from going out of their homes and public places! How this will empower women?”
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A third added, “Spending for a Bus ticket out of pocket was stopping you from getting out and “reclaiming public spaces”. Very well.”
This scenario echoes a previous incident in Karnataka where a woman faced similar criticism under the ‘Zero Ticket’ scheme.
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