Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced on Friday that if his party is re-elected in next month's assembly elections, it will offer free bus rides for male school and college students, along with a 50% discount on Metro fares for all students. He called on the central government to collaborate with the Delhi government to share the costs of this initiative.

 

During a media interaction at the AAP headquarters in New Delhi, Kejriwal stated, "After AAP forms the government, bus travel will be made free for all students. Currently, women enjoy free bus travel, but we will extend this benefit to male students as well." The Delhi government already provides free bus rides for women, a promise that proved popular in the previous election cycle.

 

Kejriwal emphasized that many students rely on the Metro for transportation, which has become increasingly expensive. He noted that the Delhi Metro operates as a joint venture between the Delhi and central governments, sharing profits and losses equally. He has written to the Prime Minister requesting a 50% fare concession for students, proposing that both governments split the associated costs.

 

These measures aim to alleviate financial burdens on students and ensure they have uninterrupted access to education. Kejriwal expressed hope that the Prime Minister would support this initiative for the benefit of young people in Delhi. He also highlighted other welfare promises made by AAP, including financial assistance for women and free healthcare for senior citizens.