On 15th August, 2019, the Delhi Government introduced the Pink Ticket for women travellers in the DTC cluster buses. I suppose keeping the symbolic colour in mind, it was introduced by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for the women to travel free of cost in the Delhi Transport Corporation buses.
Pink is the colour that is considered soft and represents womanhood all over the world. This pink ticket is not breaking any stereotypes; in fact it enforces the thought that women need such schemes for their empowerment. This initiative taken is no way connected to a Pink Slip received on termination of work. Instead, it was introduced by AAP Government to make women easily reach office and encourage them to commute easily.
Even though it has already been five months since this scheme was introduced, women all over Delhi have mixed opinion over it. Some of the positives are mentioned below.
- Encouraging Woman to use public transport Delhi women who are not able to afford the tickets of DTC buses and who are frequent travelers walk a long way to save a few bucks. But with this free ride scheme they would be able to reach their full work potential without wasting their energy on walking long distances.
- Supporting Working Women By introducing such schemes, the Delhi Govt. is trying to help many women to stand on their feet and become independent.
A few questions about the Pink Ticket
Though it is quite a bold move, there are certain questions that are being raised by such schemes and considered as political propaganda.
- No distinction between haves and have-nots The scheme may be good news for those women who live below the poverty line and are needy, but why those have to benefit from such schemes who can afford a bus ticket?
- Financial Burden on the Transport department Among the total commuters, 30% are women travelers and if by providing them all a free pass, financial burden would definitely be on the Transport department.
- Other issues are overlooked Issues like women safety would not be addressed with such steps. Girls and working women would not be attracted to such free rider’s pass unless their safety is ensured in these buses. As well as on the street along with the work places. Women safety has become a huge topic of debate and by introducing such initiative, the govt. cannot divert.
Though it was a good intent plan thought by the AAP government, does it actually help the riders, the data is yet to be seen. Many different opinions are coming into the picture. The intent was to uplift the women but instead it caused a lot of confusions and doubt. Leave your views in the comment section below on how this plan is helping in the betterment of women? Let pink be the colour of women empowerment and not the softness of the Nari.
A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.
When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.
Nice thought regarding pink tickets
Great news! Totally appreciated..
the article itself expressed all the situation of our country . its a awareness related article helpful for the basic knowledge.
Good job keep it up
A article which express so beautifully and designed to create knowledge
Nice thought, good work by the Government also.
Nice thinking & good work by the Government also.
Very nicely written describing all the pros and cons!! But to some extent its a helpful initiative for the women from weaker sections but at the same time I feel for men from weaker sections a similar measure could possibly be taken in order to ease their life.
This article justifies the Works of our Delhi govt and the areas which need to be focus.