1993 Election Manifesto

DELHI : A City of Commoners

Delhi is a big city and not of the elite. But of the commoners like washermen , kumhars (pattis), malies , safai karamcharis , coolies, pavement vengors , domestic servants, mill workers, landless labour and faqirs , cycle rickshaw pullers, scooter and taxi drivers, weavers and others. They are as necessary citizens for Delhi as others. In fact, they are the backbone of Delhi . Some sections of the elite do live in Delhi but their number is small as compared to common men and women.

In the lower middle class are most Government employees, private employees, employees of public sector undertakings, employees of local bodies such as the Municipal Corporation, D.D.A., N.D.M.C. and Delhi Administration.

These sections of people are in overwhelming numbers not only in the old city of Delhi but also in various 'Dillies' which have developed around Delhi .

The composition of Delhi s more or less completely cosmopolitan and in a sense this is mini-India and clear picture of unity in diversity.

Our plea of the Central Government, neighbouring States all other States is not to take Delhi as just a Union Territory or part of India but as one belonging to India. Delhi is not the national drawing room of the nation but also the important international drawing room of the world. Delhi serves 'BHARAT' and we expect the country to look upon Delhi as their own . Delhi citizens surely not pampered citizens as some people seem to think and there are large number of people in Delhi without potable water, with quite an elusive power and without sewerage facilities. Quite a lot has been done but much more remains to be done. Achievements of Delhi under the Congress rule at the level of the Administration and Municipal level are considerable but challenges are formidable indeed.

Fortunately for Delhi the Congress Government of India under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri P.V. Narsimha Rao , decided to constitute an Assembly with a Council of Ministers and a Municipal Corporation with powerful decentralised Zonal Committees. In practice, despite certain shortcomings from the point of view of popular aspirations, this set up comparatively envisages much better arrangements than ever before. With proper equation between the elected Government, Lt. Governor and the Central Government, this set up can be and is bound to be much more powerful than it appears in the written law.

DPCC is entering this battle of the Ballot with a full sense of responsibility towards this great and historic city and proposes to improve the state of Government and Municipal Corporation in quality as well as multi-dimensional development. The Congress approach can never be for mere vote catching. The Party is confident only returning to power in the Assembly with a clear and convincing majority and so would like to make the best use of the new set up for the benefit of the people with understanding with the Central Government Lt. Governor and all other concerned.

Delhi is cosmopolitan and its approach has been humane in consonance with the great Indian culture which has a history of over five thousand years. It is with genuine 'live and let live' attitude that Delhi has survived as a city of great reputation as one of the best cities where tolerance and peaceful co-existence prevails in society.

There is no scope, whatsoever, in Delhi for narrowness or any kind or communal, caste or linguistic or any other considerations and the most important task of the Congress Government would be to see that the life in Delhi is equally and fully secure for every citizen, without any consideration of caste and community. Though law and order is a reserved subject, yet it is quite possible to work together to improve the situation in this regard. Congress Government would resolutely curb communal violence and forces that create insecurity in the minds of any section of people. The Congress would also strive for strengthening and improving the police by providing more and better knowledge and equipments. The Congress would urge upon the Central Government to improve the lot of policemen of various categories in terms of their emoluments, residential arrangements, better education for their children. Delhi today very much needs a modernized, humane and more mobile police force, particularly in the outlying areas.

Delhi has traders, employees, artisans, kisans and others.

DPCC(I) would maintain the character of Delhi as a trade distribution centre and for that it would take all possible steps to protect the interests of the traders of Delhi including that of pavement vendors, small shops and khokas to ensure security to those (subject to serious road blockages), businessmen (mostly retails) and wholesalers.

DPCC(I) stands for abolition of Sale Tax and its subsitution with Excise duty atleast on some items to begin with if abolition is not agreed to by other State Governments. DPCC( I) would appeal to all other States to agree to abolition of Sales Tax. DPCC( I) would do its best to ensure that Sales Tax in Delhi on different items is lesser than neighbouring States. New wholesale markets will have to come up in consultation with representatives of the trade. There is acute shortage of commercial accommodation for which bold steps to promote more commercial structures including the regularisation of unauthorized use of residential and other areas (at least on adhoc basis) will have to be done including the nursing homes and good schools and other public institutions. Issuing of licences to Khokas and Patries (at least on adhoc basis) will have to be done including the nursing homes and good schools and other public institutions. Issuing of licences to Khokas and Patries (at least for some fixed period) will have to be taken. They will be protected from unnecessary harassment from unscrupulous and corrupt officers and inspectors.

DPCC(I) is firmly of the view that the saturation point in Delhi has already been reached from the point of population and over-congestion and DPCC(I) strongly appeals to the citizens not to embark of any further unauthorized colonies, structures of pavement vendry , Similarly, DPCC(I) would appeal to the peopel against illegal sale of lands and houses. DPCC( I) would be happy to ask for institution of enquiries and action against any one, whosoever he or she may be, on adequate legal evidence. There would be no witch hunting.

DPCC( I) strongly believes in the regulation of colonies and construction which have come into existence upto January 31, 1993 . If required, rules or regulations or byelaws which stand in the way would be changed. While the DPCC( I) firmly wants prevention of unauthorised growth it believes in a humanitarian and pragmatic approach in dealing with such problems.

Acquisition of agricultural land should not be resorted to as a matter of fact and to protect the green lands whatever are left, best possible efforts should be made. Pending compensation amounts to acquisitionists, whose lands were acquired, would be paid within six months to a year. The price of plots allotted to agriculturists in lieu of acquired lands will have to be reasonably revised and reduced.

DPCC( I) will do its best to accelerate the provision of sewerage facilities to all resettlement colonies. DPCC( I) would take steps to urge the authorities concerned to implement the conversion of leasehold to freehold in resettlement colonies and elsewhere and would appeal the people to cooperate. This would ensure lacs of people in these areas and DDA flat owners in other parts of Delhi of substantial benefit. Parks in these colonies have to be maintained properly, adequate water supply assured and the question of regular power supply will receive serious consideration. Khokas , pavement and other shopkeepers' grievances will have to be rectified. Though conversion to freehold would be without any charges, yet reasonable price of these flats will have to be fixed by the authorities concerned to be paid by occupants to become full fledged owners. More commercial accommodation will have to be provided there and other necessary and required civic amenities including suitable schools, dispensaries, hospitals and community centres provided.

In regard to the J.J. clusters, first stage action would be to ask them to strengthen the jhuggies in cooperation with the Slum Department and they would be permitted to put tin or cement sheet for roofs with brick walls. A scheme to provide regular electric connections ( atleast one point) would be sanctioned and implemented without delay. This would be known as ' Jyoti Kutir Rajiv Yojna '. Sulabh Sauchalayas would be provided wherever necessary as also kharanjas and drains. In no area, easing in open areas would be permitted and necessary arrangements made.

In the villages and urban villages of Delhi , power and water supply, drainage, transport, community centre facilities and schools will be provided. Power connections of 20 HP as before will be sanctioned and benefit of various financial schemes of the Government of India and banks for cottage industries would made available. The philanthropic organisations including the Lions and Rotary Clubs would be requested to adopt specific villages for improvement by private efforts. Elections to the Panchayats would be held without any further delay and necessary amendements to the Panchayati Raj Act would be made for the better benefit of the people. Rural schools will not face shortage of teachers, men or ladies. Better health steps would be taken and more hospitals in rural areas would be provided by the Government and hospitals by charity organisations would be encouraged.

Old city remains congested and water supply, transport and sewerage and electricity supply system will have to be improved. The scheme of Shahjanabad would be pursued with vigour .

Better power supply for the industries would be ensured. Severe action would be taken against pilferage of electricity but unauthorised use of energy in the past would be regularised on suitable terms and conditions.

Supply of adequate and uninterrupted power supply would be given top priority. Besides doing our best to see that the sanctioned schemes are implemented at the earliest, the DPCC( I) would urge upon the Government to give special consideration to Delhi on this issue, better than now. The DPCC( I) welcome private initiative to improve power supply on reasonable terms and conditions to the consumers and the terms and conditions of the existing DESU employees would be firmly protected. The next some years have to be the year for more energy.

Avoidable hardships to the people will have to be firmly prevented and accountability test by all concerned will have to be applied and necessary action taken. Electricity connections at the earliest possible time would be provided in regularised unauthorised colonies and other areas. DPCC( I) would approach the Central Government for divising a scheme for solar energy in Delhi as also take steps to see that more cooking gas cylinders are available in Delhi . Better arrangements for electricity on Roads, Parks and Crossings is necessary. Schools and such other public institutions of community interest would get priority.

Much more potable drinking water will have to be provided. Apart from completion of the pending and proposed projects, new projects would be envisaged with the support of Central Government. The question of supply of adequate raw water supply would be taken at the highest level. DPCC( I) expects best cooperation from the neighbouring States Water supply should be conserved by the people, more so by the large customers.

Pending drainage

There will be encouragement for good private schools and private schools and educational standards in Government school will be improved through strenuous efforts and precise steps. Regular monitoring will be done by officials and representatives of the people together and their reports will get due consideration and necessary action. Same will apply to hospitals and dispensaries. Private initiative for the same will be encouraged.

All private and public and individual resources have to be pooled together through proper and possible housing schemes for better housing in Delhi , particularly for the weaker section of the people including the fixed income groups of employees.

Special attention will be given to the problems of safai karamcharis , dhobis, shoeshiners , kumhars , weavers and such other categories of artisans. The care will relate to improve their financial resources, places of work and residences.

DPCC( I) would do its best to provide a healthy, clean and efficient administration. Members will be asked to file a statement of their assets and liabilities to the Chief Minister, as also MLAs . Municipal councillors will also file the same to the Mayor. The same will be open to scrutiny by authorised DPCC( I) authorities.

In any case of moral turpitude with adequate evidence or a conviction, the DPCC( I) and the Cogress Legislature Party take such action as they may deem fit in the circumstances of the case. It may amount to suspension, expulsion or demand of registration as pledged by the candidates while applying for ticket. The whole scheme will have to be worked for a periodical review of the code of conduct of elected members. Steps will be taken to ensure their reputation for their integrity and character.

Delhi need an underground Railway at the earliest. DPCC( I) thanks the late Shri Rajiv Gandhi for sanctioning this in principle and Shri P.V. Narsimha Rao for reviving the same. DPCC( I) would do its best to push the same for early financial arrangements and commencement of the project which may take some years. A close study of traffic congestion and bottlenecks ant specific points and Delhi as whole will have to be made together by officials, experts and representatives of the concerned people. Apart from Chandni Chowk , Connaught Place , Ajmal Khan Road (Market), Vikas Marg and other such big places, other areas will have to be looked into.

Augmentation of the transport fleet by the DTC with the support of private operators is welcome. The loopholes will be removed and finally a coordinated system of Rail and various categories of road transports will have to be prepared. The interests of DTC employees will be fully protected. Slow moving transporters such as tangas will also have to find some place to work or any other source of living. ­The recent steps taken by the Municipal Corporation to help the Rickshaw-pullers are welcome and the DPCC( I) would do its best to see what more can be done. The problems of Taxi, Scooter, Truck drivers as also tempos and phatphatis will be solved including parking, water, lavatory and other facilities and also getting some financial support from financial and banking institutions. Transport trade and transport workers interests will be protected. Efforts would be made to provide necessary facilities to the Transport Nagars . Attention will also be given to Hathrehras .

It is the duty of DPCC( I) to protect the legitimate interests DANI (IAS & IPS etc.) and DPCC(I) will do so. It is the legitimate responsibility of DPCC to protest the ligitimate interest of the Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Delhi Administration, DDA, DMC, NDMC employees as they are all citizens of Delhi . The DPCC( I), however, does not want to politicize the Administration and would stick to its approach of unbiased and objective functioning.

DPCC(I) is quite keen to give an honest trial to the new set up of Delhi Assembly and the Municipal Corporation in full cooperation with the Lt. Governor and the Central Government with whose active support Delhi can progress. This cooperation and understanding can result in development of healthy conventions which can make the set up more purposeful and effective.

As far as working classes including the artisans are concerned, DPCC( I) would continue to give unflinching support to their just causes, whether is skilled or unskilled labour , whether in the Mills or private.

Those who have houses on Government lands with expired long term leases, mostly in Karol Bagh , Subzi Mandi and Paharganj areas, should be made owner on reasonable price to be paid in easy instalments and so in other categories of Government lands of similar circumstances.

DPCC (I) would create a special cell to work for augmentation and improvement of services like the Railways, Communications and Central hospitals etc.

DPCC( I) would take a positive view about the problems of policemen and make submissions to the Central Government in due course of time.

The public distribution needs to be expanded, improved and revamped. Some arrangements for coordination between the consumers representatives and the shop owners is necessary. Beisdes , DPCC( I) would take some positive steps for the growth and development of grassroot consumer movement.

DPCC( I) is not satisfied with the electricity rates fixed by the Delhi Administration and would take steps to reconsider the matter with thorough study of the functioning and reasons for huge losses.

The DPCC( I) will take positive steps to encourage sports in Delhi , particularly indigenous sports like kabaddi , kushti , khokho , collective jogging. It will also take precise steps for introduction of Yoga in schools and possibly in colleges. Private initiative, of course, will be positively encouraged.

The DPCC( I) will take steps to devise a system whereby not only more schools and colleges are opened but the quality of education is improved in the primary, secondary, college and university level.

Positive steps will be taken to encourage competition for educational merits. Private initiative will be highly welcome and attempts will be made to make available books at reasonable prices for public educational institutions.

The DPCC( I) will do its best to give a clean, neat responsive and efficient administration in the best interest of the people of Delhi . It will also look after the interest of the weaker sections including minorities and women.

The DPCC( I) will ensure that the law and order should be maintained in Delhi with the cooperation and involvement of all political groups and citizens.

The DPCC( I) will seriously consider the problems of riots affected persons including 1984 riots and later in Seelampur and do its best to solve them.

The DPCC( I) will also look into the problems of migrants from Kashmir and Punjab .

The DPCC( I) will see to it that priority is given to the projects relating to cleaning of Yamuna and take positive steps to stop pollution which is created by various ways.

The DPCC( I) believes in efficient performance to the advantage of the people and no unnecessary delays will be tolerated. Timely completion of projects will be resorted to. Coordination between various agencies will be made so that people do not suffer for want of the same. This will receive high priority.

Arrangements will be made for settlement of grievances of the people.

The DPCC( I) will ask all the Congress MLAs to file the return of their assets to the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party with a copy to the Congress President. Keeping in view the pledge given by each candidate, if after elections, there is a case against any MLA for action on tangible evidence, it will be reported to the Congress President for action including removal or demand or resignation of the MLA and, if necessary, his suspension or expulsion from the Party.

The DPCC( I) will take steps to see that the Municipal Councillors do not treat their constituencies as their own personal boroughs and work completely in unison with the Congress organisation . They will be required to regularly attend the Congress offices at the District and Block levels and work for the party.

Let us now march for a better, healthier Government with confidence to tackle the formidable challenges which are facing Delhi immediately and in the near and long term future in cooperation with each other and the various agencies including Lt. Governor and the Central Ministries.