In a radical step, the Kejriwal government has announced that private vehicles bearing odd and even registration numbers will be allowed to ply only on alternate days starting January 1, next year.
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The Delhi government’s decision to adopt odd and even number formula for plying of private vehicles came in for sharp criticism from Opposition parties with Congress today describing it as “anti-people” and BJP dubbing it as “half-baked and knee-jerk”.
Seeking to assuage concerns, he said it was an in-principle decision and will be “thought through” for at least 20 days and that a committee of top officials has been appointed to work out details like exemptions in case of medical emergencies.
Hinting at the possibility of the plan not being implemented, the Delhi Chief Minister said, “Many things have to be sorted out”. We will experiment with it for some time.
Odd even number plate system will first be a trial for 10-15 days, if found comfortable for the public, then only it will be done permanent with some principles. “If there are too many problems, it will be stopped”, he said, speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Saturday.
“And if Kejriwal and his government is concerned about this than they should hold serious consultation with the people of Delhi and with all the agencies in implementing this rule”, he added.
He told the media that the Delhi government would also strengthen public transport from January 1 so as not to put motorists in difficulties. That will suck the dust…There are lots of reasons for pollution in Delhi, detailed by IIT Kanpur.
Asked whether the apex court judges would follow the policy and sacrifice by resorting to vehicle pooling to reach the court, he said, “we would love to do so if it helps reduce pollution”.
Delhi has some 90 lakh registered vehicles, and about 1,500 are added on the roads every day.
“If PM’s salary is less than ours, it should be increased”, he said responding to a question. He said day-to-day interference saps one completely.
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According to Kohli, it will create problems for self- employed people, doctors and advocates who need private cars for fast movement at a short notice and also for women who prefer the privacy of their cars in odd hours. “I don’t even want credit for it. PM Modi can take all the credit”. “They’re happy now that there is no interference”, Kejriwal said.
