New Delhi: The Delhi government has announced the launch of the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’, a new initiative that will provide free travel for women and transgender commuters on all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses across the national capital.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the scheme on X, stating that daughters, sisters and mothers aged above 12 will now be able to travel free of cost in buses across Delhi under this initiative.

This move aims to make public transport safer, more accessible and financially inclusive for women and transgender persons, officials said.

Recognition for private schools in non-conforming areas

In another major policy decision, the Delhi government has approved long-awaited recognition for private unaided schools operating in non-conforming areas of the city.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said the decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, marking a “historic and significant” reform.

“For over a decade, this issue remained buried in files while children were denied their constitutional right to education. Previous governments played favouritism, recognising a few while neglecting many. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, we have ended this selective discrimination. This is not just administrative reform, it is justice for our children, fairness for our institutions and a genuine step towards democratising education in Delhi,” Sood said.

According to the government, private unaided schools that have been functioning for years in non-conforming areas but did not receive recognition due to procedural delays or previous administrative bias can now formally apply.

Application Window Open

The Delhi Directorate of Education opened an online portal for applications on November 1, 2025.

  • Schools can apply for recognition until November 30, 2025.
  • Submitted applications will be scrutinised and schools meeting all prescribed norms will be granted official recognition, officials confirmed.
  • The government said this decision restores