In his Independence Day speech at Chhatrasal Stadium, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced free rides for women on Delhi Transport Corporation and cluster buses from October 29.
Terming the move extremely important for women dignity, empowerment, and safety, he said the Government is also working on a proposal to provide free rides to women in Delhi Metro.
"Today I am fulfilling my duty towards all my sisters of Delhi on the day of Raksha Bandhan. The move will encourage women to work more and to fulfil their dreams because they have to travel long distances for their studies and work," Kejriwal said.
"The Delhi Government had earlier this year declared its intent of making public transport free for the women and as a first step the government has decided to begin with the DTC and cluster buses from the occasion of Bhai Dooj on 29th October," he added.
On controversies over free rides in metro, the Chief Minister said that in a democracy divergent and critical views are essential and the government would like to address the views of those who are opposed to free travel for women in public transport of Delhi.
He also set aside views that advocated the scheme is against gender equality, saying that the percentage of women in workforce is merely 11 per cent in the city and only 30 per cent women are using public transport.
The Chief Minister said "We should not run away from harsh realities and in our country where female foeticide still exists, where preference is given to males in families. We should encourage women in all walks of life and free travel in public transport for women is a step in this direction,"
Talking about his government achievement, he said that it has been able to take major pro-people decisions due to the faith reposed by the people of Delhi in this government. "Taxpayers money must go back to the taxpayer. It is the money of the people and it should be returned to them," he said.
The decision is taken at a time when there is a talk of economic slowdown in the country, he said, adding that it will provide a great relief to the people and help them immensely in raising the savings of families.
"Delhi government had not imposed a single new tax on the people during last four and a half years and on the contrary, it has reduced taxes on the people," he added.
He said decisions like providing 200 units of electricity free, 20,000 litres of water free every month, free tests and medicines in Delhi government hospitals and mohalla clinics are basic rights of residents of Delhi that is fulfilled by the Government. Speaking about the transformation of educational institution, the Chief Minister said that lots of initiatives taken by the Delhi government over the past four years and a half to improve the quality of education. "Delhi government schools have undergone a revolutionary transformation in infrastructure such as constructing swimming pools, top class classrooms and other infrastructure, resulting in better results ," he said, adding that Today Delhi government schools have top class infrastructure which even better than that of the private schools.
Besides, the government has decided to introduce Deshbhakti Curriculum in its schools from the next academic session with an aim to achieve three important goals, which Mahatma Gandhi wanted to be inculcated in the people of the country, he said.
In order to insure women safety, the Government is doing all that it can to take effective steps to ensure it, Kejriwal said, adding that the work of installing CCTV cameras in residential areas across the national capital is going on.
"I would like to appeal to all women of Delhi that get CCTV cameras installed in your localities wherever you want and the government will provide as many cameras as you want. The government will leave no stone unturned to ensure its success," he said.
The Chief Minister unfurled the Tricolour- National Flag and in took the Guard of Honour from the contingents of Delhi Police, Civil Defence, Delhi Fire Service, DDMA, NCC and children of various schools of the Capital.
Kejriwal also paid tributes to the great freedom fighters and who laid their lives during the freedom struggle for liberating the millions and millions people of the country. The Chief Minister also awarded the medals to the officers and ex-officers of Delhi Fire Services for their distinguished services.