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As the dust settles on the high-decibel Delhi Assembly election, BusinessLine looks at the key promises made by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who got an astounding mandate to “complete unfinished tasks”.
Apart from poll promises, such as free wi-fi and CCTVs to ensure women’s safety, the “party with a difference” will be watched closely as it strives to keep the promises it made, especially with limited financial resources in hand.
Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill: The AAP has resolved to pass the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, which will include Delhi government officials — including the CM, Ministers and MLAs — in the purview of investigation. It also promises a citizens’ charter in all government offices and protections for whistleblowers.
Swaraj Bill: Committed to the idea of swaraj (self-governance), the AAP said it will bring in a Bill to devolve power directly to people.
A Citizen Local Area Development Fund will be given to every mohalla sabha and resident welfare association.
Power: The party has promised 24x7 power supply for all. Tariffs to be cut by half for up to 400 units per month for every household till the audit of private power distribution companies by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is completed.
Water: Lifeline water of 20,000 litre a month to each household with metered connection and piped water connection to every home in five years, elimination of water mafia, regulation of private tankers and operationalisation of treatment plants have been promised. Privatisation of the Delhi Jal Board to be stalled and performance audit of private contracts to be undertaken.
Land reforms: Extension of Lal Dora to accommodate the growing population. No land to be acquired in Delhi’s villages without the consent of gram sabhas. Harassment caused due to Section 33 and 81 of the Delhi Land Reform Act that doesn’t permit a farmer to sell his agricultural land will be removed.
Health: Budgetary allocation and spending on healthcare to be hiked from ₹2,700 crore to ₹4,000 crore. Vacancies of 4,000 doctors and 15,000 paramedics to be filled and contractual posting and appointments to be abolished. The party has promised to build 900 more primary health centres and provide health cards for all residents.
Education: To spend at least 20 per cent of its annual budget on education. Headmasters will be given financial and administrative autonomy. Government schools to improved. To open 500 new schools with special focus on building secondary and senior secondary schools. Also, 20 new colleges will be opened. Employment of contractual/temporary teachers in both government and private schools and colleges will be regularised.
Trade: VAT rates in Delhi will be made the lowest in the country. Routine VAT raids will be shut down. Rules and regulations for running and establishing industry, licensing procedures, single-window clearances, VAT and other tax structures of Delhi will be simplified. Wholesale trade to be revived and foreign direct investment in retail trade not to be allowed.
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