After registering outstanding victory in Urban local Body (UlB) election- 2018, Asha lakra and Sanjiv Vijayawargia, who have been successful in retaining the top seats for the second consecutive time of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) spoke to The Pioneer.
Taking up the civic issues of the State’s biggest UlB, the duo talked about their priorities, upcoming projects, marginalised classes and most significantly about establishing coordination in carrying forward the mega projects. Excerpts:
ASHA lAKRA: (MAYOR)
You have got a chance to serve the city residents twice as an elected representative, what will be your priorities nowIJ
Completion of sewage drainages, establishment of waste treatment plant will be taken up as soon as I take the charge. Attempts will be made to permanently resolve the problem of water crisis by establishing ‘Jal Minars’ (Water Towers).
Much has been talked and written about the tiff between you and Sanjiv Vijayawargia. Will this end with the beginning of new tenureIJ
It has already ended. Also, there was no tiff between me and Sanjiv Ji. I raised my voice and will continue to do so, if the work is not done in accordance to the rules. As the Mayor, I have to ensure that no one violates the norms.
How will you take up the issue of holding tax which was the major concern during election campaignIJ
People forget that holding tax rate was increased in 2014, when Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was in power. When BJP representatives took the charge, serious attempts were made to reduce the rates. From 5 per cent, the holding tax rate was reduced to 2 per cent during my tenure. Further attempts will be made to reduce the burden of holding tax.
No one by far has been successful in resolving water crisis. What do you have to say on thisIJ
To deal with water crisis, ‘Jal Minars’ project has been sanctioned. Also, a blueprint of each ward has been prepared separately where water purifiers will be installed.
Status of RMC on a few major fronts is discouraging especially on installing rain water harvesting system. Any commentIJ
People have to realize the fact that conservation of water is not just the responsibility of the Municipal Corporation. Attempts will be made to make public abide by the rules as set by RMC in 2016 under rain water harvesting setup rules (Commercial and Households).
What efforts will you put in to bring Ranchi at par with other developed citiesIJ
I will ensure timely implementation of schemes for uniform growth and development of the City. Ranchi is slowing getting transformed. Only with the efforts of all and implementation of schemes on time, the State Capital can be developed.
SANJIV VIJAYAWARGIA: (DEPUTY MAYOR)
What will be your priorities as public have reelected you from Jharkhand’s biggest UlBIJ
My top most priority is to complete all pending projects. Also, problem of water crisis will be dealt with utmost priority besides carrying forward the sanitation tasks under the ‘Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan’ ahead in more systematic way. Projects undertaken by the RMC for empowering women and skill development scheme will be given preference during this tenure.
Much have been told and written about the tiff between you and Asha lakra. Will this end with the beginning of new tenureIJ
Since very beginning, we both have been saying that there was no tussle between me and Mayor Madam. Now, more responsibilities have come upon us. Taking forward the ideology of BJP, civic work will be carried out in coordination here.
Issue of reduction in holding tax rate was predominately taken up by the opponents. How will you deal with thisIJ
Technically speaking, RMC Board members do not have any say regarding increase or decrease in holding tax rate anymore. However, I assure to the residents of Ranchi that the issue of holding tax will be taken to the State government and attempts will be made to rationalize it for public convenience.
What efforts will be you put to bring Ranchi at par with other developed citiesIJ
A Political Party has its own agenda; both of us (I and Asha lakra) will endeavor hard to strengthen the existing facilities while work will be done to bring in more services especially focusing on marginalized class. Several projects like construction of parks, vending zones, demarcation of parking spots that have been taken up previously will be strengthened.
No one by far has been successful in resolving water crisis. What do you have to say on thisIJ
Establishment of 17 ‘Jal Minars’ is on the cards, this will reduce water crisis problem to an extent in the days to come. Tender procurement has been complete for establishing ‘Jal Minars’.
What about the vending zone project, how long vendors have to wait to get permanent placeIJ
RMC has been striving hard to complete the project. Some more time will be required. As of now, construction work at Jaipal Singh Stadium is going on, Madhukam market complex work is on the way of completion, work at Nagababa Khatal has been initiated. A few more spots have been identified for vending zones.