BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation is planning to offer many freebies to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and rickshaw pullers in the upcoming 2017-18 budget
New Delhi Eyeing the upcoming civic polls, the BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation attempts to woo Aam Aadmi Party's core vote banks, as it doles out freebies to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and rickshaw pullers in the final 2017-18 budget.
While the elections to the BJP-led trifurcated municipal corporations — South, North and East —are going to be held during next couple of months, the party is trying hard to win over these sections.
Vijay P Pandey, leader of the House, North Corporation announced on Friday that residential plots up to 26 square meters will be exempted from property tax in the next financial year, as these properties belong largely to people from the EWS category.
Besides, BJP has decided to extend the Prime Minister Bima Yojna to rickshaw pullers to provide them an insurance cover.
"Insurance cover would be provided to those rickshaw pullers whose age is over 21 and are of sound health. They can register themselves with the corporation to avail the benefits," said Pandey.
Even as the Congress and the AAP have started attacking the BJP for poor condition of schools, sanitation and drainage, the corporation has increased the share of insurance for municipal school children from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
"The scheme covers about 3.5 lakh students enrolled with its 588 schools across the city. The step is aimed at the holistic development of children and keeping them under a financial security cover," said Pravesh Wahi, chairman of standing committee, North Corporation.
Meanwhile, the cash-strapped corporation has decided to generatr revenue by proposing to redevelop its residential properties for commercial activity. It plans to rent these spaces to public-sector companies.
"The corporation's staff colonies situated at Azadpur, Model Town, Bunglow Road and vacant land at Idgah, among others are properties worth Rs 20,000 crore. We can commercially exploit these spaces by lending them to government agencies. We have already invited tenders from various PSUs," added Wahi.
It also aims at earning around Rs 120 crore to Rs 140 crore by setting up ATMs in 855 locations including its school buildings.
Tough Competition
MCD polls are likely to happen in April 2017, although the final date hasn't been announced yet. In the previous polls the Bharatiya Janata Party had won majority seats against Congress. However this time the party has the Aam Aadmi Party as another competitor. Of the total 272 wards, 104 come under South Delhi Municipal Corporation, 104 under North Delhi Municipal Corporation and 64 under East Delhi Municipal Corporation.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "rickshaw pullers")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}