Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini distributed cards to beneficiaries of the Haryana Antyodaya Parivar Parivahan Yojana (HAPPY) scheme on Friday. The scheme provides families with an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh with 1,000 km of free travel annually on state transport buses.

An official statement indicated that the distribution of HAPPY cards took place across all districts in Haryana. The statewide distribution was inaugurated by Saini, who served as the chief guest at a state-level event in Karnal.

Haryana ministers and other state dignitaries participated in the programme via video conferencing, distributing HAPPY cards to beneficiaries at events organised in various districts.

The primary objective of the Haryana Antyodaya Parivar Parivahan Yojana (HAPPY) scheme is to offer poor families the benefit of free travel up to 1,000 km per year on Haryana state transport buses.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasised the government's commitment to empowering the poor.

The statement noted that during a conference in Karnal on November 2, 2023, Saini's predecessor, Manohar Lal Khattar, had announced the HAPPY scheme. The scheme was subsequently implemented during the budget session of the assembly on February 23, 2024.

The scheme will benefit approximately 8.5 million residents of Haryana, with 59,708 individuals already receiving their cards. These beneficiaries have collectively availed of 3.788 million kilometres of free travel, according to the statement.

During the event, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini interacted with beneficiaries from various districts and personally handed over HAPPY cards to 20 recipients in Karnal. All beneficiaries receive smart cards linked to the e-ticketing system, enabling them to travel for free.

The state government will allocate a budget of approximately ₹600 crore for this scheme. Haryana Transport Minister Aseem Goel, addressing the event in Karnal, praised the HAPPY scheme as unique in the country and commended the transport department officers for their implementation efforts.

Tourism Principal Secretary Navdeep Virk stated that the current transport fleet of over 4,200 buses will be increased to 5,300 in the next two years.

Image source: The Week