Recent news about the announcement of ‘free Bus and Metro rides’ for women by the Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) Govt. in Delhi has stoked more eyebrows than appreciation. It is perhaps for the first time Sarkari schemes or welfare plan has come under the scanner of public trust.

Does it imply a loss of faith and trust in Delhi govt.?Or, is it Delhi being the capital with very high per capita income, women feel more privileged compared to their counterparts in other states of India?

Politically conscious citizens of the nation’s capital have viewed this welfare freebie as a poll stunt or political gimmick as the Assembly election is around the corner in 2020. Whether the section of women voters after the ‘free rides’ will make a difference to the depleting vote share of the party or not is not a certainty.

The response to the announcement as of now seemed lukewarm, ranging from ‘wow’ to’ phooey’.The common man(read women also) is bemused by the justification given by the Delhi Govt. linking women safety with free rides.

Many women have thought the offer is as bizarre besides being illogical. Liberal and more socially elite sections view the same as a gender issue and biased. Those who are empowered and have earnings feel that it is not a sound economic policy.

The ability to pay is different for different Income groups. It is estimated that around Rupees 700 crores will be needed to make good the loss to the Metro authority. 

Also, Taxation and welfare measures should take into account income distribution and inequalities even among the target groups and that should be progressive in nature. 

Women in social media have expressed willingness to forgo the free rides if implemented, in favour of economically and socially disadvantaged women. How issuing of free tickets will ensure harassment free rides including the course of the rides? A riddle or sort that women are yet to solve!

Rather they are equally concerned about the journey after metro or bus rides to home or to office and back. Women ask for more police personnel deployed inside the bus and Metro especially women police.

They want more CCTVs in the transport network, quick response mechanisms in case of threats, more effective GPS system within the capital region for location and spotting the place of incidents. 

So there are many questions to be answered by the Delhi Government before taking the next step. For now, it is said that our country is never short of entertainment, jumlas, cricket, festivals, social media jokes! 

Humorously, women will be happy to dream-a ‘JOY RIDE’ instead of taking them for a ride.

Debabrata Deb- writer, political analyst, a free thinker