On the 1st of June, the CM of Delhi, Mr Arvindra Kejriwal announced zero fares for women in metro and DTC buses. He claims that this step would improve security for women in the national capital. The complete roadmap of this scheme is being prepared by the state government.
It has been speculated that the CM has presented this scheme as a means to lure voters just before the elections. Also, I believe, we, the people of Delhi are sceptical about the following points:
1. How would the Delhi Government manage to fund this scheme when the treasury of government is already in a deficit?
2. How is travelling without paying related to safety? If they were really concerned about the safety of women, they should have installed CCTVs on roads, and provided a marshall in buses.
3. Delhi Metro offers world-class services. In my opinion, if women are not charged for their tickets, it could affect service and maintenance standards.
4. I believe in an era when we are talking about gender equality, any kind of economic leverage based on gender is irrational. There are hundreds of thousand men also who are so economically vulnerable and not able to opt for Metro or DTC bus travel. The proposed scheme there is no space for all vulnerable people.
5. How would the government ensure the safety of women after they get down from the metro; i.e. from the metro to their home?
If we consider the positive aspects of the scheme then it would definitely benefit working women who cannot afford the daily fare; so, I believe it would encourage more women to go out and vote.