New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday that rides on DTC and cluster buses will be free for women from October 29 on the occasion of Bhaiya Dooj.
Speaking at the Delhi government's Independence Day event at Chhatrasal Stadium, Kejriwal said: "On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety.”
The announcement comes after the Delhi Chief Minister in June said he planned to provide free rides to women on Delhi Metro. Addressing reporters then, Kejriwal had said: “Women security is of utmost importance for AAP. We have taken two important decisions — first is installing CCTV cameras across Delhi, while the other is free public transport for women.”
When questioned about any objections raised by the Centre to the scheme, Kejriwal said: “We do not need the Centre’s permission as Delhi will bear the cost of the subsidy.” He added: "Subsidy won't be imposed on anyone. There are several women who can afford these modes of transport. Those who can afford, can purchase tickets, they needn't take subsidy. We encourage those, who can afford, to buy tickets¬ take subsidy so that others could benefit."
The Kejriwal government's move comes just ahead of Delhi elections. In the Lok Sabha polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won only one seat out of over 40 it contested in nine states and Union Territories.
Stung by the dismal performance, the AAP government swung into action just a day after the Model Code of Conduct was lifted with Chief Minister directing his ministers on May 27 to speed up work on flagship schemes such as Mohalla Clinic, procurement of buses and the CCTV project.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai had, however, dismissed suggestions that the results would have an impact on Delhi assembly elections, asserting there is no alternative to Kejriwal in the national capital.
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