Raipur, Feb 3 (PTI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released its manifesto for the upcoming February 11 urban civic body elections in Chhattisgarh, pledging significant reforms including a 25% rebate in property tax for women, expansion of ‘pink toilets’ in market areas, and free Wi-Fi facilities in schools and colleges.
Titled ‘Atal Vishwas Patra’, the 34-page manifesto was launched at Kushabhau Thakre Parisar, the state BJP headquarters in Raipur, and dedicated to the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The document, highlighting 20 key promises, was unveiled by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy CM Arun Sao, State BJP President Kiran Singh Deo, former minister and manifesto convenor Amar Agarwal, and MLA Sunil Soni.
Key Promises for Civic Development
With elections set to take place across 173 urban civic bodies, including 10 municipal corporations, 49 councils, and 114 nagar panchayats, the BJP has laid out an ambitious agenda:- Women-Centric Initiatives:
- 25% rebate in property tax for properties registered in women's names.
- Expansion of ‘pink toilets’ in market areas for better sanitation.
- Free sanitary pad distribution for female students in schools and colleges.
- Urban Infrastructure & Housing:
- Acceleration of stalled Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) projects, with the goal of constructing three lakh approved houses.
- A new law to ensure ownership rights for Nazool land (government-owned real estate used for public purposes).
- Development of smart vending zones, food streets, and a structured policy to promote street trade.
- Education & Digital Services:
- Free Wi-Fi in all schools and colleges.
- Introduction of a ‘Mayor Samman Nidhi’ to provide ₹1 lakh each to 40 UPSC aspirants who qualify for the Mains exam.
- Establishment of public libraries modeled after Raipur’s hi-tech Nalanda Parisar for students preparing for competitive exams.
- Health & Welfare:
- Sickle cell anemia screening centers in all municipal corporations, with identity cards issued to affected patients.
- A commitment to making Chhattisgarh a sickle cell anemia-free state.
- Economic & Self-Employment Support:
- Financial assistance of ₹30,000 for street vendors under the PM Svanidhi scheme.
- Utensils banks in every municipal corporation for Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Loans up to ₹2.5 lakh and free training for SHG beneficiaries under the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ to promote women’s economic empowerment.
- Municipal Services & Water Management:
- ‘My City App’ to provide all municipal corporation services online.
- Establishment of integrated service centers in each zone to reduce the need for frequent office visits.
- Improvement of the tap water system to ensure clean drinking water for every household.
- Connection of ponds to sewage treatment plants (STPs) for better water conservation.
- Urban Planning & Transport:
- Development of parking facilities for cars and two-wheelers on government land.
- A one-time settlement scheme for pending property tax dues under the ‘Samadhan Yojana’, waiving penalties and interest.
- Upgrading commercial centers with essential infrastructure like electricity, roads, toilets, and drinking water.
Last updated by a enewsx: