The Chief Minister stated on the AK App that the scheme is in the interest of women empowerment and for bridging the gender gap in the society. It is also an initiative that will help girls and women cut down on high transportation costs to be able to afford education.
CM Kejriwal's Stated Purpose
Kejriwal said: “Now, girls and women who had to drop out of schools and colleges because of high transportation costs don't need to sacrifice their education. They can now take buses to good schools and colleges which are away from their homes. Similarly, women whose offices are far need not to worry about transportation cost."He further added "Every step cannot be completed at once. We will definitely do it. Let us start with women and see the results, and based on the result we will definitely deliberate on making these rides free for senior citizens and students too in the future."
Criticism From the Opposition
However, the AAP Government has been receiving a lot of criticism over this move. The opposition says that the government is giving "freebies" to woo voters. The AAP convener slammed rivals for questioning these initiatives and said that it was time that parties rose 'above politics'.Commenting on the same, Kejriwal further said: "what problem do the opposition parties have if I am working towards the welfare of the people. They should get above politics in these matters."
Marshal Deployment
Another women safety initiative is the deployment of marshals on buses. "I warn all goons harassing women in buses that if you try to harass women there are marshals to take care of you," said the CM.It is said that the number of marshals deployed on the occasion of Bhai Dooj was increased by 10,000.
The free bus-rides move is being implemented solely for women empowerment. Arvind Kejriwal said that giving free access to buses to women is a big step and that India will grow only when the women of the country grow.
Image sourced from dayafterindia.com
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