The AAP Government in the national Capital seems to be leaving no stone unturned to attain its poll promise of full statehood for Delhi as even lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Tuesday was found pushing to fast-track this goal by calling it “a policy avowed” by the BJP.
listing out measures to make Delhi a “world-class” city, he talked of making it “investor-friendly” while also bringing the Jan lokpal and Swaraj Bills for greater accountability.
He also emphasised on the need to bring forces like the Delhi Police, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and municipal corporations under the ambit of the
State Government.
Jung — in his 13-minute speech during the first session of the sixth Delhi legislative Assembly — said the move would “dismantle” barriers that have come up between the “elected and the electors”.
“Full statehood for Delhi has been a long-standing demand of the people of Delhi. The provision of critical public services such as law and order and low-cost housing would happen more smoothly if Delhi were accorded
autonomy as a full-fledged State with greater control over these aspects,” he said.
Throughout his speech, Jung precisely laid out the aims and aspirations of the AAP Government by touching upon issues like women’s security, reduction in power tariffs, availability of free water, unauthorised colonies, building more schools, creating more seats in universities under the Delhi Government and adding more beds in hospitals. He also talked of turning Delhi into a “Digital Capital” by creating WiFi hotspots and opening the city for investors to create more employment for the youth.
Assuring protection to whistleblowers, the lG said that it will make every effort to establish Jan lokpal for time-bound investigation in
corruption cases and bring in the Swaraj Act so that locals can have a say on issues affecting their daily lives. “For this
purpose a Citizen local Area Development (C-lAD) Fund will be provided to local
communities,” he said.
Highlighting the issue of women’s security, Jung said the Government will ensure last mile connectivity in public transit system. He spoke of setting up fast track courts to ensure speedy justice while also facilitating appointment of new judges. “Mahila Suraksha Dal will also be created by
re-deploying members of the Home Guard and Civil Defence Volunteers,” he added.
In order to ensure lower
tariffs and adequate water supply, Jung said that the Government will do a resource audit in the areas of public services in order to effectively deal with these services. He said Delhi has enough resources to transform the Capital into a modern and prosperous Capital.
“This financial year Delhi has a total budget of around Rs37,000 crore which, if used optimally, can truly create a new blueprint of development. It is not a paucity of funds that has kept the citizens bereft of basic public services. The crucial question is this: How effectively are those services being delivered on the ground to the very poorIJ My Government will rigorously do a resource audit whether it is in the area of providing electricity or water or other public services,” the lG maintained.
Jung also talked of putting an end to Inspector Raj and discouraged raids on traders and create a new bond of trust between them and the Government. Giving priority to the development of rural regions in Delhi, he called attention this “island of neglect” and take steps to improve their lives.