With the Delhi Assembly elections beginning the early next year, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has introduced a new scheme which has brought everyone’s attention in the capital of India. The Aam Admi Party government is considering to make metro and bus travel free for women in Delhi. As the government is calling it “to encourage them (women) to use public transport” and not a political benefit.
AAP Scheme Before Assembly polls
Arvind Kejriwal said that the scheme to provide free Delhi Metro and DTC rides has been put into existence so that women can travel safe and can access modes of transport which they were not able to, due to high prices in Delhi. The CM said, “The Government is considering to waive fare for women in DTC buses and Delhi Metro to encourage them to use public transport, in view of their safety, without any subsidy imposed. An announcement in this regard will be made on June 3.”
In the meantime, the scheme is just an approach and has not been put into action. Arvind Kejriwal said he has given a week time to the Delhi government officials to make a detailed approach to both DTC and the Delhi Metro.
Kejriwal said, “I have given them (govt. officials) one-week time to make a detailed proposal – for both DTC and metro – on how and when can this be implemented. We are making an effort to start this within 2-3 months. We are also seeking suggestions from people, regarding implementation.”
Meanwhile, a Delhi government official said that Kailash Gahlot who is the Transport Minister has already taken meetings to discuss various aspects of fare-waiver to women in all public transport buses — run by DTC and DIMTS — and Delhi metro.
How people Reacted
Call it a women welfare project or a political gimmick, Arvind Kejriwal has left everyone surprised. There are a mixed number of reactions that comes into this incident, as some people call it a good move which will benefit women to travel safe and fight the price inflation in the transport sectors. And, on the other hand, some call it a political drama reasoning the assembly polls which is scheduled to take place early next year in the city.
In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the Aam Admi Party managed to win only one seat out of over 40 it contested in nine states and Union Territories. The poll results came as a grave concern to the party as it gears up for the assembly elections in Delhi early next year.
See how people reacted to #DelhiMetro
https://twitter.com/Momotaofficial/status/1135474415494258688
I welcome the decision of #DelhiMetro to make commuting in Delhi free for women. Personally i could save few thousand bucks. But @OfficialDMRC could reduce the fare in overall.
From Mayur Vihar – Prgati Maidan, I used to travel with just 12 rupees so does everyone.
— ????? ?????????? (@suchiseetharam) June 3, 2019
A large number of women are not allowed to go out of the house – for studies, jobs, or other reasons, because their families can't afford safe transport. The free travel offered by Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal will enable these girls to step out. #AAP4EaseOfLiving #DelhiMetro https://t.co/hTuk2HvnWy
— Preeti Sharma Menon (@PreetiSMenon) June 3, 2019
And Equality goes for the toss… A girl carrying an iPhone, Gucchi bag, posh clothes will travel for free and a handicap will make his efforts to buy tickets and stand in a metro while the girl is chilling and sitting on the chair #DelhiMetro
— Sidharth Dash (@Sidharth_dash) June 3, 2019
#Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal thinks the INDEPENDENT WOMEN of Delhi can't pay their fare.
Instead of this they should do something for the safety, of the women, which is in danger in the capital.
Best example of vote bank politics.?? #DelhiMetro— Shraddha singh (@shraddha_singh7) June 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/vikingthakkar/status/1135457408879407105
Seriously @ArvindKejriwal What kind of safety model is this..? Free travel has nothing to do with women safety. Why questioning their ability to stand strong financially & socially..? You save your @AamAadmiParty man,Defeat is turning you illogical..! #DelhiMetro #ArvindKejriwal
— Siddhi Somani (@siddhi_somani) June 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/anuragkesharii/status/1135476038043987968
Delhi Men – All set for Metro ride. #DelhiMetro pic.twitter.com/l36Mqm2JxP
— Kamlesh Dixit ?? (@kash2312) June 3, 2019
Delhi women to Arvind kejriwal who declared free rides for girls in bus and metro#DelhiMetro pic.twitter.com/xuAyDGxWM4
— Gautian Lyangda Tyagi (@97gotout) June 3, 2019
Is This Really 21st Where R we Heading???.#Delhi #DelhiMetro #GenderEqulity pic.twitter.com/OR5LKePdIT
— #Ashura (@BhandChowkidaRR) June 3, 2019
