Delhi government to cast its web wide on odd-even plan

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is going full steam ahead with a mass awareness programme on the second phase of the odd-even scheme. After coming out with full page advertisements in newspapers and starting a special email id (oddevenidea@gmail.com), the government is now going to reach out to people through a website.

Mohalla sabhas are also scheduled to start in February. Also, the AAP trade wing has started distributing brochures on the scheme in various markets.

To be launched by the transport department, the website will not only allow people to give their vote on when the second phase can start but also give suggestions on how to improve the public transport system. “The website will ask citizens their opinion on the odd-even scheme. The suggestions will be incorporated for transport planning in the upcoming months,” said an senior government official.

The website will have the same questionnaire as the newspaper advertisements which asks the public on whether the odd-even scheme should come back, and if yes, when. It gives a range of options for the second phase, from February 14 — the one year anniversary of the AAP government — to May 1, when schools are likely to be closed for vacations. The ad also asks if the scheme should last a fortnight or become a permanent fixture as well as who should be exempt.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has already announced that public opinion will be sought at mohalla sabhas, which are scheduled to start in February. The sabhas will be organised by the revenue department, added officials.

Meanwhile, the AAP trade wing has decided to conduct a survey of markets. “We plan to conduct the survey in Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Karol Bagh, Sarojini Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Khan Market and other areas from January 28 to February 8,” said Brajesh Goyal of the trade wing.

According to Goyal, more than one lakh questionnaires will be distributed to traders and, on February 9, the report will be submitted to transport minister Gopal Rai. Sources said this exercise is not just aimed at generating awareness but to also seek public opinion.