New Delhi: The 'free-ride' initiative by the Delhi government commenced on a grand note, here on Tuesday, with the Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia asserting that it would augment the safety measures in the nation's capital.
Sisodia remarked that the move will not only ensure the safety of women but also enable them to contribute their part to the state's economy, without any hindrance.
Women will be given pink tickets in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses to avail the free-ride scheme, which commenced with the auspicious 'Bhai Dhooj'. The Delhi government will reimburse the transport department based on the number of pink tickets issued.
BJP terms free-rides an 'election stunt'
While the initiative was hailed by several beneficiaries, certain sections termed it as a political move. Delhi BJP leader Vijendra Gupta claimed the 'free-ride' initiative as an 'election stunt' by the AAP government.
"This decision of Kejriwal is an election stunt. He has done nothing for women during his tenure and took a new decision as the elections are just three months away," he said.
The BJP leader also lodged a complaint with Lieutenant Governor of Delhi - Anil Baijal regarding the pink tickets issued to the women travellers, which reportedly had a message conveyed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Later, Baijal forwarded the complaint of the BJP leader to the Managing Director of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
ETV Bharat elicits students response on 'free-ride' initiative
To elicit the response of those availing the 'free-ride' initiative, ETV Bharat interacted with a group of students travelling in a DTC bus.
Despite the political turmoil, the intended travellers expressed happiness over the government's scheme of giving free tickets to the women.
Puja Chauhan, a class 12 student said: "We have to pay Rs 30-40 every day as our school is 24 km away from our home. Our annual expenses are somewhere around Rs 15,000 and hence this move will benefit us. We thank the Chief Minister for this initiative."
Another student added: "This is the most precious gift, I ever got on the occasion of 'Bhai Dooj'."
Over 45 lakh travel in Delhi buses everyday
During his Independence Day speech, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that free-rides for women, in both DTC and cluster buses, would start from October 29, coinciding with 'Bhai Dooj'.
The Delhi cabinet had on August 29 given in-principle approval to the scheme of providing free bus rides to women, but put a rider on female employees of the state government, stating that they have to give up their transport allowance to avail the facility.
Women employees of the Delhi government, local bodies and respective undertakings will not be entitled to transport allowance if they opt for free rides in DTC and cluster buses, according to the government order.
According to the latest official figures, public buses in Delhi carry over 45 lakh passengers each day.
Also Read: Delhi govt announces free bus ride scheme for women
