Congress releases manifesto ahead of Delhi municipal corporation polls

New Delhi, Apr.7 (ANI): The Congress Party released its manifesto on Saturday in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and other ministers ahead of the April 15 municipal corporation polls.

According to media reports, the Congress highlighted the failures of the BJP-dominated Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the last five years.

In its manifesto, the Congress said that it would regularise unauthorised colonies in the capital and provide a transparent system of administration.

"See, we are hopeful because this has been done after a lot of thinking and the residents are being shown the dream of Delhi's development. There will be good work, we all will come closer and there will be an increase in the efficiency and accountability, which is why this has been done. But, it will be inappropriate to say that it will happen instantly. But, we have started a line of action, which is common to most parts of Delhi, but there are some areas where there is more need for flyovers, there are others where colonies are needed, so we have changed it accordingly," Dikshit said.

Dikshit added that the MCD delayed the handing over of certificates to architects and engineers, which hampered the development work.

"The work of the MCD was to make boundaries and give certificates to architects and structural engineers, so the work would have been completed smoothly. But, they haven't given it until now. Now, we have done an aerial survey and now, the work will be completed on time," she said.

The manifesto includes sub division of plot, simplification of layout plan for houses, exemption of property tax, redevelopment plans of several areas to be prepared and executed without any hassle to local residents, hawking licence to street vendors, policy of street vendors, expansion of citizen charter, expansion of health services, setting up women parks and library in each ward, exemption in property tax to senior citizens and widows, fire extinguisher facility in MCD run schools, free school dresses, books, medical facilities and insurance to each students of MCD schools, schools to be connected with sewer system and drinking water, power, toilet facilities in all MCD schools.

Counting of votes would take place on April 17. (ANI)