Delhi government invites suggestions on proposed free travel scheme for women

The Delhi government has invited suggestions from people on its proposed scheme to make the commute for women in public transport buses and Metro trains free, and asked them to submit the same till June 15.

According to the Transport department, people can send their suggestions at ndelhiwomensafety@gmail.com, besides to the Chairman, DDC, Delhi Govt., 33, Shamnath Marg, Delhi-110054.

"The government has sought people's suggestions for its free-ride scheme for women in buses and Metro trains till June 15," an official said.

On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia took a bus ride to get feedback from passengers about the proposed free travel scheme. Mr. Sisodia said that he did not find "even one citizen" who opposed the idea. The government has said that the move will ensure the safety of women in the city.

Read: Manoj Tiwari Dismisses As A 'gimmick' Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's Move To Make Bus And Metro Travel In National Capital Free. Here's What He Said

Arvind Kejriwal had made the announcement on Monday citing concerns over the safety of women, and also said that his government had floated a tender for the installation of 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras. However, the free metro and bus travel announcement was called out by rival parties who highlighted that it had come with just 10 months to go before the Delhi Assembly elections. BJP Delhi President Manoj Tiwari hit out at Kejriwal, calling the decision a poll gimmick and highlighting how the AAP had lost ground and was taking the freebie route to attempt a comeback. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, AAP was defeated by the BJP in each of Delhi's seven constituencies. 

"People must understand the lies of Arvind Kejriwal and should not come under the effect of his words. He has not done anything in five years, what will he do in 3 months. He has not allowed the implementation of Ayushman Bharat. I demand and request him that in your last months of rule implement Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana." 

Tiwari also questioned the AAP's promises to install free Wi-Fi and open 500 schools.

Delhi Congress spokesperson Jitendar Kochar, meanwhile, also dubbed Kejriwal's move as 'publicity stunt'.