With a view to providing safe transportation for women, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit in her budget announced the introduction of 8,000 auto rickshaws to be operated on the pattern of radio cabs in the city. At least 1,000 of these will be operated by women drivers, she said.
These auto-rickshaws will be operated by the corporate sector ‘on demand’ basis on the pattern of radio cabs in the city. At least two corporate entities who will employ only women drivers will be allotted 1,000 permits,’ said Dikshit in her budget speech. As per the proposal the government will allocate 500 permits to each of the corporate house interested in entering this new transport service.
The government also aims to add 625 low floor buses and 1,100 semi low floor buses to its DTC fleet and enable it with GPS system to provide safe commuting for women. She also assured that the third phase of Metro service in the city will be completed on time to connect all major markets and colonies in the city. In her budget speech, the Chief Minister also announced that chillisprays, used as a self-defence tool for women, will be exempted from VAT. Presently, a 12.5 per cent VAT is charged on the the product.
In another relief measure for women, the Chief Minister also exempted footwear priced up to Rs 500 from VAT. The other items that have been exempted from VAT include singhara, kuttu ka atta and organic colours.
Dikshit has allocated Rs 388 crore for women and child development in the budget. Approximately two per cent of the budgetary allocation (Rs 330 crore) has been earmarked for SC,ST,OBC and minorities and Rs 746 crore for social welfare.
These auto-rickshaws will be operated by the corporate sector ‘on demand’ basis on the pattern of radio cabs in the city. At least two corporate entities who will employ only women drivers will be allotted 1,000 permits,’ said Dikshit in her budget speech. As per the proposal the government will allocate 500 permits to each of the corporate house interested in entering this new transport service.
The government also aims to add 625 low floor buses and 1,100 semi low floor buses to its DTC fleet and enable it with GPS system to provide safe commuting for women. She also assured that the third phase of Metro service in the city will be completed on time to connect all major markets and colonies in the city. In her budget speech, the Chief Minister also announced that chillisprays, used as a self-defence tool for women, will be exempted from VAT. Presently, a 12.5 per cent VAT is charged on the the product.
In another relief measure for women, the Chief Minister also exempted footwear priced up to Rs 500 from VAT. The other items that have been exempted from VAT include singhara, kuttu ka atta and organic colours.
Dikshit has allocated Rs 388 crore for women and child development in the budget. Approximately two per cent of the budgetary allocation (Rs 330 crore) has been earmarked for SC,ST,OBC and minorities and Rs 746 crore for social welfare.