Student passes will now be valid in AC buses of Delhi Transport Corporation

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approved concessional passes for students commuting in air-conditioned and cluster scheme buses. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Tuesday. "The student passes would be issued to all beneficiaries institutions in accordance with the said regulation. The reimbursement of subsidy to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will be done as per the prevailing pattern," an official statement said. Earlier, the finance department had red-flagged this proposal sighting “increasing losses” incurred by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) as the reason.

"The passes will be available for bona fide students of educational institutions in Delhi, recognised by the universities, as well as those schools and institutions affiliated to the Delhi government, central government and the municipal corporations. The facility would also be available to mentally challenged students of the institutions run by the government, local bodies or government-aided societies," said the statement. The passes will be available to the students at the cost of Rs 100. The reimbursement of subsidy to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will be done as per the prevailing pattern,” it added.

Earlier, the finance department had rejected the proposal saying that it will increase losses incurred by the DTC and that it may also lead to “extra rush” and discourage regular commuters. Hundreds of Delhi students led-by the members of All India Students Association (AISA) had protested at chief minister's residence in the month of August after which Kejriwal had assured them of proper action into the matter.