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"We need more equity" |
Delhi has been the partner state at the recently concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (January 8-9) for the second year running. Close on the heels of the PBD, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit spoke to Editor Sayantan Chakravarty about the city she has administered admirably now for close to a decade
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Delhi was a partner state at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2008. What are the gains for Delhi from the PBD?
The real gain is that Delhi is showcased before the world. The National Capital Region is today considered as the biggest economic hub in the country, and those attending get to know its advantages. The diaspora itself is keen to come to Delhi because major chambers of commerce are headquartered in the city, and also because the weather in the capital in January is beautiful.
Are NRIs showing interest in investing in the National Capital?
NRIs are showing interest in public-private partnership in housing and infrastructure. There is overall plenty of overseas interest in Delhi, a bridge is being built by a German firm, a French company is involved with the water treatment plant at Sonia
Vihar.
At what stage are the preparations for the Commonwealth Games?
A lot of robotics and electronic equipment need to be imported for the Commonwealth Games. Buildings designed by Indian architects are coming up. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium needs to be upgraded, it requires comfortable lounges, and a Media room. I am proud to say that we are also looking at a world class convention centre at
Dwarka.
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NURTURING DELHI: The CM seen here with Ms Gursharan Kaur, wife of Indian PM Manmohan Singh, has nurtured Delhi well for almost a decade
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COMPLETE TRUST: CM Dikshit has had the complete trust and backing of the Congress high command and has, therefore, been able to admirably administer Delhi
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You have been promoting a number of Pro Poor Projects. Please elaborate…
The emphasis is on social entitlements. We do not need many more new projects in the city. It already has the highest per capita income for any state in the country. We need more equity.
What about education for Delhi’s underprivileged children?
The Government spends an average of Rs 900 on educating a child attending state-run schools. Even the best of private schools in Delhi do not spend more than Rs 700 per child. We will not rest until parents say that they are no longer hesitant in sending their wards to Government schools. Several steps are being taken. We have also initiated the Ladli project for the girl child. It is innovative and far reaching.
You are also taking steps to improve the PDS?
We are acutely aware that ration is sold in the black market. We are very vigilant on this, and have initiated a number of steps (see article on Delhi’s
PDS) to ensure that ration is sold only to those holding ration cards, and not to private mills.
“The Government spends an average of Rs 900 on educating a child attending state-run schools. Even the best of private schools in Delhi do not spend more than Rs 700 per child. We will not rest until parents say that they are no longer hesitant in sending their wards to Government schools. Several steps are being taken”
Let us know the steps being taken by you in greening and pollution drives in Delhi…
Delhi is the greenest city in India. At the same time in order to increase the metro rail network, some trees will have to be cut. But to offset any such loss, nine new forest areas have being added to the existing 24.
Delhi’s traffic is growing exponentially. You have to cope with more cars, and more congestion…
Frankly, we may not have immediate cures for the congestion. But we are trying to improve the quality of the public transport system. Nearly 6,000 high quality buses will be added on to the roads in two to three years time, nearly a sixth of them will be air-conditioned. We are looking at increased metro rail networks. Some vehicular use will go up, at the same time with good public transport options, some will come down.
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February 2008
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