AAP GOVT PRESENTED FIRST BUDGET IN DELHI VIDHANSABHA ON 25TH JUNE and named it SWARAJ BUDGET.
Participatory democracy was the one of the core promise of Aam Aadmi Party manifesto , dream of Arvind Kejriwal , who started his fight against this corrupt system years back and hope of Delhi janta who supported Aam Aadmi Party to reclaim Delhi with a thumping majority. As Manish said by making this budget we didn’t achieve swaraj but we took a step toward that direction, it is a step to turn that dream into reality where all bureaucrats, politicians will be accountable to use each and every penny of taxpayers money. From election manifesto to mohalla sabha to Delhi budget, AAP govt is trying to establish a system where public will participate in each decision-making related to them.
In an apparent dig at BJP-led MODI government in the Centre, Manish said ”Na rehber se milega, na rehguzar se milega, yeh toh hamaare paaon ka kaanta hai, yeh hamin se niklega” where he informed that Delhi this year collected 1 lakh 30 thousand crore total tax, from which center only giving 325 crore back to Delhi, where Delhi as a state is eligible for 40% of tax as other states.
He said Delhi govt is paying so much tax to center and getting peanuts in return even then delhi govt is paying back all the loans to center govt, while on the other side Delhi govt decided to waived off loan money on east MCD unit which is governed by center.
He announced Rs. 41,129 crore budget, and discussed how mohalla sabha and participatory decision-making changing life of public and announced new “Swaraj fund” worth Rs. 253 crore for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. In Swaraj Budget, 20 crore for each vidhansabha has been allocated to all those 11 vidhansabhas who were part of swaraj budget.
He announced the establishment of ‘Delhi Urban Development Agency’ for maintenance and development works in all the districts, a body that would work under the leadership of the district magistrates.
Manish Sisodia announced that Delhi govt is working towards single window clearance and committed to make Delhi a business hub, along with this a new nodal agency will be formed so that all the proposals coming to govt from different countries on different project can be tracked and decision-making can be easy.
He announced 106% increase in education budget which he precisely said is “ not an expense, but an investment” to present and future generation. Goal to bring about 100 percent literacy in the next two years, emphasis on “value and skill” in schools, 20,000 new teachers will be recruited, accountability to be increased by installing CCTV in all classrooms. Teachers training, new teachers appointment, 83 new school buildings and modernisation of 50 old schools are few such initiatives to improve education system in Delhi. Upto 10 Lakh loan for higher education (Polytechnic and ITI included)where govt will guarantee the loan. 310 crore allocated for skill development and professional education.
Health budget hiked by over 45% to Rs 4787 crore.To improve health services, Delhi govt planning to add 10000 new beds,110 new ambulance and 1000 new mohalla clinics. A total of 11 government hospitals in Delhi will be modernised and completion of pending hospital projects is in priority.
In transport sector, Rs 1,084 crore allocated to Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), allocation of Rs 3695 crore for transport in Delhi. Single ticket will be available for travelling in metro, buses and auto rickshaws, said Sisodia .10000 new buses , 500 feeder buses & 5500 new auto permit will be added . To promote Erickshaw, 15000rs subsidy has been provided to each e-rickshaw.CCTV installation, marshalls appointment on DTC Buses and GPS system on all taxis and autos.
Manish said Yamuna River will be cleaned in the next five years so that it can become a spot of “boating and picnics”. Installing 15 new sewage treatment plants to reduce pollutants flowing into the river.
Other highlights of the budget:
- Entire city will get pipe water supply in 3 years.
- Government is committed to implementation of Majithia commission recommendations.
- Labour welfare centres will be set up across Delhi and the labourers will be registered through a single-window system along with other benefits.
- Announced Rs 1 crore each to families of martyrs.
- Government plans to build safe storage houses for onions and other essential food items.
The AAP government aims at making Delhi India’s first corruption free state,said Sisodia.This budget as govt claimed SWARAJ BUDGET looks promising and with Manish quote “jahan se aati ho manzilon ki mahak , woh kache raaste bhi achhe lagte hain”. AAP Govt is committed to make Delhi a world class city and corruption free state and working hard to turn that dream into reality.
Delhi Diary of Aam Aadmi Party.. 