Delhi's odd-even scheme may return as early as next week!

The second phase of the odd-and-even scheme could be announced as early as next week. The Delhi government had on January 27 sought the opinion of citizens on bringing back the scheme. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to return from Bangalore on Sunday and expected to go through the survey data on Monday, said sources. "A decision on when to conduct the next phase will be taken then," they added.

The survey, with a February 8 deadline, will form the basis for the decision. This will, of course, factor in the government's preparedness. However, earlier last month, transport minister Gopal Rai had said that the government had the infrastructure already in place and could implement the next phase as soon as the dates were decided. "One of the dates in the survey form for the next phase is Februrary 14, when the AAP government completes one year in office. The announcement for the odd-even will, therefore, be made within the next few days," said the sources.

The feedback from the survey so far is "very encouraging", claims the government. "The majority of respondents have voted for the return of the scheme and on a permanent basis," said the sources. The survey is being conducted in various modes. "The maximum responses have been received on phone, through missed calls and random calls made to citizens." Thousands have also written in, using the email id that had been provided (oddevenidea@gmail.com). Over a lakh responses have already poured in so far, added an official.

The Delhi government will also be holding mohalla sabhas over the weekend - Saturday and Sunday - to get more feedback. "A referendum will be conducted over two days through mohalla sabhas in all localities. Around 280 sessions will be held," added the official.

People have made various suggestions in the survey. The most popular one is ramping up the public transport infrastructure. From increasing the number of buses to putting more trains in the Delhi Metro system, the push public transport, said officials. Respondents have also suggested staggered office timings during the odd-even implementation. "There have been several suggestions for staggered timings, which the government could implement in its own offices immediately. The respondents have said that the government could also request private companies to follow this," said the sources.

Many have also written in suggesting the government consider allowing people to change the number plates of their second car. This would still keep several cars off the road, according to the respondents. Imposing a heavy tax on the second car is another suggestion.

Regarding the exemptions, if any, that the government should allow, many people have suggested doing away with the exemption being given to women. However, there has been a lot of support for exemption for senior citizens, said the official. "Several respondents have suggested exempting senior citizens as they may not be able to access public transport," said the official.

Image credit: Indiatimes