SC questions intent of Delhi Government for providing free metro rides to women
The Supreme Court has raised questions on the Kejriwal led Delhi government proposal of free travel for women in the Delhi Metro. The Supreme Court asked the Delhi government why free metro service is being provided to women in Delhi. It also said that it would not be a profitable move for DMRC. The court advised the Delhi government that the government should use the tax money of the people properly. The bench of Justice Arun Mishra said that the Delhi government is obliged to ensure that the Metro does not suffer losses. If the metro incurs losses, then the Delhi government will have to bear. The bench said that on the one hand you are distributing things for free, on the other hand, talking to the Supreme Court, asking for money from the Central Government.
At the same time, Justice Deepak Gupta said that if you allow people to travel free, then this will be a problem. Justice Mishra said that then we will all stop. You talk about the loss, what you have is public money. Bankruptcy should not come from policies made by yourselves.
During the hearing, the EPCA said that in the last five years, the Metro has not suffered any loss in operation. However, giving relief to the Delhi government, the Supreme Court has directed that the Center will have to bear 50 percent of the cost of the land for Phase IV of the Delhi Metro. Both will have to pay Rs 2447.19 crore. At the same time, the Center opposed this and said that then all the states will also come with such demands, on which the Supreme Court said that this is only for Delhi.
