Economic Analysis of Providing Subsidized Public Transport for Women with Reference to Ramesh Kamal v. State of H.P. and Anr.

This case analysis aims to investigate the pros and cons of the “Nari Ko Naman” scheme launched by the Himachal Pradesh government offering subsidised bus transport to women across the state against which a petition was filed in Ramesh Kamal v. State of H.P (2022). This case study’s primary goal will be to critically analyse whether offering subsidised bus transport for women is a case of freebies or if it is a policy that is working towards empowering women and increasing their participation in the economy by incentivising them to pursue education and employment. This case study utilises primary data collected through an online questionnaire and secondary data such as research papers, government reports and news articles. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed in the process. This data is critically evaluated by employing various micro and macroeconomic tools, analysing the various features of the scheme brought into question before the court, similar global and Indian practices, and analysing substitutes to the existing scheme. Keywords: Macroeconomics and law, gender-sensitive policies, social welfare, economic inclusion, subsidised public transport.