Raipur
The BJP has released its manifesto for the urban body elections in Chhattisgarh, naming it the “Atal Vishwas Patra.” The manifesto was unveiled at the BJP office in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy CM Arun Sao, BJP State President Kiran Singh Dev, manifesto committee convener Amar Agrawal, MLA Sunil Soni, and other committee members.
BJP State President Kiran Singh Dev stated that the manifesto is dedicated to honouring the vision and contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary, celebrated as ‘Atal Nirman Varsh.’ The manifesto was shaped through a statewide ‘Suggestion Collection Campaign,’ where people’s opinions and expectations were gathered, receiving thousands of suggestions, with the most significant ones being incorporated.
Dev asserted that the BJP is committed to accelerating the pace of development, as urban bodies had suffered from stagnation and widespread corruption, functioning like ATMs rather than development centers. Quoting Vajpayee, he said, “I have come with determination, not just promises,” pledging to drive forward the development agenda under the double-engine government. He criticized the Congress, accusing it of looting and depriving people of their rights, and assured that the “Atal Vishwas Patra” would bring real development to the people.
Key Highlights of the Manifesto
Urban Development
- A new law will be enacted to grant ownership rights to Nazul land leaseholders.
- Stalled PM Awas Yojana (Urban) projects will be expedited, ensuring the construction of 3 lakh approved houses.
- Eligibility for housing construction will be granted to those who pay electricity bills and integrated taxes.
- Pending applications for regularizing unauthorized colonies will be resolved within a year.
Improvement of Urban Services
- Screening centers will be set up in municipal areas to make Chhattisgarh sickle cell anemia-free, and affected patients will receive identification cards.
- A “My City App” will be launched to digitize municipal services, providing all online facilities in one place.
- “Sarkar Tunhar Dwar” scheme will ensure doorstep delivery of government services.
- Integrated service centers will be established in every zone to reduce the need for repeated visits to municipal offices.
- Complaints will be resolved promptly through a grievance redressal helpline.
- A 10% rebate will be offered to property tax payers who pay on time, while women-owned properties will receive a 25% concession.
Water Supply & Sanitation
- The ‘Nal Se Jal’ initiative will be strengthened to ensure the supply of clean drinking water, with new water tanks constructed and old wells revived.
- Every household will be provided with waste bins, and garbage collection routes will be monitored via a smart waste tracking system.
- Lakes will be connected to sewage treatment plants (STPs) for cleanliness and water conservation.
Special Initiatives for Women
- Free sanitary napkins will be provided in schools and colleges to promote menstrual hygiene.
- The number of “Pink Toilets” in market areas will be increased for cleaner and safer facilities for women.
- Under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive interest-free loans up to ₹2.5 lakh and free training for financial empowerment.
Employment & Education
- Public study centers modeled on the Nalanda campus will be established in major municipal areas, with increased seating in libraries.
- Employment-oriented skill development centers will be set up across the state, focusing on entrepreneurship, personality development, and job opportunities.
- The “Mayor Samman Nidhi” will provide ₹1 lakh incentive to UPSC Mains qualifiers in each municipal corporation.
- Free Wi-Fi will be installed in schools and colleges, aligning with the central government’s broadband connectivity initiative for educational institutions and health centers.
Street Vendors & Commercial Hubs
- Street vendors will receive financial assistance of up to ₹30,000 under the PM SVANidhi scheme.
- Smart vending zones and food streets will be established to boost street businesses.
- A structured policy will be framed to regulate and support street vendors.
- Basic amenities such as electricity, roads, toilets, and drinking water will be ensured in all commercial hubs of municipal bodies.
Fair Tax System
- Practical solutions will be implemented to address issues related to user charges.
- A one-time settlement scheme will be introduced for old property taxes, allowing clearance without penalties or interest.
