The past five years in Delhi were especially relevant in the light of the various noteworthy reforms brought into action by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)- led government. From installing Mohalla clinics to free seats for women in Delhi buses and in metro trains in the near future, the AAP government’s initiatives have invited applause as well as debate. In fact, they even released a ‘report card’ describing their top-10 achievements.
Here’s a quick look at a few of the reforms initiated by the government.
I. Electric Vehicles Policy
This policy was launched in December 2019 as a step towards promoting environmental sustainability and curbing vehicular pollution. To this end, the government installed charging and battery swapping stations at various points, as well as waived road tax and registration fees for all battery electric vehicles for three following years. In the following years, electric rickshaws and carriers will be given an incentive of Rs 30,000 per vehicle and interest subvention of 5% on loans. Further, it will be required for newly constructed homes’ and workplaces’ parking to reserve 20% parking to electric vehicles.
II. Happiness Curriculum
The AAP government received all the applause for the changes they brought to government schools. From spending 26 per cent of the allocated budget to improving their infrastructure, grounds, bringing in leadership and entrepreneurship sources for its students, and sending teachers for training in Finland to establishing the Happiness Curriculum, the government truly showed where their priorities lay. Inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 2018, the Happiness Curriculum initiative aims at increasing mental health awareness among school children from primary school to the eighth grade in all government schools.
III. Doorstep Delivery Scheme
Following a few rounds of back-and-forth with the Lieutenant Governor on a possible exacerbation of public expenditure, the government was finally able to introduce a scheme which allows people to apply online for services like driving licences and marriage certificates and have them delivered at home for a nominal fee. Forty services have already been included and thirty more are in the process of being added. One can avail the services by booking an appointment online through the edistrict website, via the government website or by visiting the regional transport office or offices of sub-divisional magistrates in Delhi.
IV. Mohalla Clinics
Praised by The Elders—a global organisation once headed by late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Gro Harlem Brundtland, these primary healthcare centres, present in every residential community, offer free consultations, tests, and medicines to the residents. The promised 189 clinics have already been set up.
V. Free bus rides for women
In order to ensure the safety of women in public transport by enabling their increased presence, the Delhi government gave out pink tickets to women to travel in buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster scheme operators in Delhi and the NCR and Delhi airport for free. The Delhi government reimburses transporters based on the number of pink tickets issued.
VI. Additional DTC Buses
Due to litigations and unsuccessful tenders, the DTC had not been able to add a single bus to their fleet since the 2010 Commonwealth Games despite the growing need for more buses. A change in the maintenance clause by the AAP government led to successful tenders and as per the government’s plan, 1,000 CNG low-floor buses are to be rolled out on Delhi roads between January and May 2020.
VII. Electricity Subsidy
Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia says,”Every family deserves a life of dignity. Just like good education and healthcare, a basic quantum of electricity to run lights/fans at home is essential for that.” While other states have increased the tariff on electricity, Delhi hasn’t seen a single hike in the last three years. In fact, the Delhi government gives full subsidy to those consuming up to 200 units of electricity and 50 per cent power subsidy to houses consuming 201 to 401 units of electricity.
VIII. Water Waiver Scheme
Ahead of the elections, the AAP government will now waive water arrears of those who have functional water meters at their homes. Launched on November 30, the scheme decrees the waiver of arrears up till March 31, 2019. Those wanting to avail the water waiver scheme will have to install water meters at their houses and inform the Jal Board about the meters. Previously, residents who used less than 20 kilolitres of water a month got it for free.
Delhi Assembly elections will take place on 8th February 2020. The results will be declared on 11th February 2020. Find all the information you need about the elections here.
If you enjoyed this we suggest you read