Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang launches free-ride scheme for women at night

At a time the country has been protesting about the Hyderabad and Unnao rape, the Sikkim govt has devised a scheme that aims to help women stranded due to the lack of a vehicle between 10 pm to 6 am.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shakes hands with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang during a call-on, in New Delhi | PTI

Gangtok: Amid nationwide outrage over the recent cases of rape and murder, the Sikkim Police has launched a free ride scheme under which any woman in the state capital who is alone and unable to find transport services at night will be dropped home in a vehicle free of cost.

The scheme, launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Sunday, is aimed at ensuring women’s safety at odd hours, an official said.

Any stranded woman can now dial the police helpline numbers –1091 and 7837018555 — and request for a vehicle between 10 pm and 6 am, he said.

Upon receiving the call, the control room vehicle or the station house officer’s vehicle will come to her aid, the official added.