Govt to offer travel allowance incentive to employees

To encourage greater use of Delhi Metro and DTC buses, the Delhi government is offering an incentive to its employees on travel allowance if they use the common mobility card. The initiative comes as part of the Delhi Government’s efforts to promote public transport amid concerns over fuel conservation linked to the West Asia crisis.

“In view of considering the need for prudent utilisation of fuel resources arising due to the ongoing situation and further, in continuation of the government’s efforts towards conservation of fuel, reduction in pollution and promotion of public transport, it has been decided to introduce an incentive scheme for the employees of GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) utilising metro and public transport services for commuting purposes,” an order said.

According to the order of the finance department, Scheme shall come into effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum. Scheme is optional for all employees of GNCTD. Officers/officials may inform their Head of Department, if they are not willing to opt this scheme and, in this case, they will be entitled for their usual Transport Allowance, without any incentive. If an employee utilises at least 25% of their monthly Transport Allowance, excluding Dearness Allowance (DA), towards the purchase/recharge of a valid Common Mobility Card of DTC, the employee shall be eligible for an incentive @ 10% of admissible Transport Allowance (excluding DA).

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta last month launched the 90-day ‘Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan’ fuel-saving campaign, stipulating two-day work-from-home for all Delhi government employees and the use of public transport.

Last month, the DTC also announced that it will run special buses for Delhi Government employees from their residences to the nearest metro station and then to the Delhi Secretariat.

“All officers and officials, with their consent, will be provided a common mobility card issued by DTC in a manner as prescribed by the finance department in consultation with DTC,” the order added.

Initially, the incentive scheme will be implemented for a period of six months, with further extension to be done after assessment. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage greater use of public transport, reduce dependence on private vehicles, conserve fuel and contribute towards environmental sustainability, it added.