Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday rejected the BJP’s criticism over increase in power tariff during her address at Chhatrasaal Stadium, on the occasion of Independence Day.
She reminded everyone of when the Opposition was ruling the city. “Power outages lasted up to over 11 hours. There were riots because of this. The power situation is better now because of reforms we initiated,” the CM claimed. Dikshit questioned the Opposition party’s promise of cutting electricity rates by 30 per cent if it wins the Assembly polls this year. “People are unable to digest this politically-motivated promise. There is no magic wand to effect such a huge reduction. Power tariff is much cheaper in Delhi compared to the neighbouring towns and metropolitan cities,” the Chief Minister added.
With Assembly elections scheduled for later this year, Dikshit highlighted achievements of her Government, which she said made Delhi a better place to live in . Dikshit lauded efforts of her Government in making the city “number one” and expressed joy on hoisting the Flag for the fifteenth time. “Our governance in the last 15 years has changed the face of the city. The Delhi Metro and elevated roads are some of the world-class facilities we have provided. Outsiders cannot stop appreciating the infrastructural development,” she said.
Dikshit pointed out, “Earlier, Goa and Chandigarh were leading, but now Delhi holds the forefront with minimum income of Rs 2 lakh per annum per household.”
“We have the best hospitals providing the best treatment available. GTB Hospital provides the best treatment for cancer. Hospitals in the Capital are renowned and are thronged to by people from across the world. Under our Chacha Nehru Yojana for children, a hospital with the same name will soon come up, to deal specially with liver ailments,” she added.
Addressing a large gathering of schoolchildren present at the event on Thursday, Dikshit praised them for their contribution to environment in trying to restore greenery. She also appealed to the people of Delhi to conserve water saying, “Delhi does not produce water, but has to take it from Himalayas and Uttarakhand, which too is limited. I request you all to not waste water at all.”
The CM also mentioned the Government’s plan of implementing the Food Security Bill from August 20, which will cater to families below poverty line. “Under the scheme, food items will be available at very low prices with rice at Rs 3 per kg and wheat at Rs 2 per kg. It will benefit at least 73 lakh people,” she said.
Dikshit also reiterated her commitment for focusing on e-governance in the city for efficient Government services for the citizens. “In the coming years, we will make it easier for common man to approach Government officials for payments, stamping and other services available on the internet to make it totally hassle free,” she added.