The National Capital’s citizens woke up to a surprise that’s actually the realization of a new reality: AAP’s welfare policies are not just words but actions that the party is consistently delivering upon.
Twitter is bustling since today morning with a certain hashtag #BillDekhaKya. Delhi’s citizens recently received their latest electricity bills, and the unbelievable happened. When Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced free electricity with 100% subsidy and 50% subsidy slabs, most of the opposition laughed off the promise. But once again, Delhi’s AAP government has delivered a policy reform that is unprecedented across the country.
The latest electricity bills in Delhi are a slap on the face of everyone who doubted AAP’s efficiency in delivering on their promises to the citizens.
Deepak Kaistha
In 2019, the AAP government has virtually entered an untouched domain with the absolute social welfarist policy measures. While the opposition has been quick to speculate ulterior motives, it should hardly matter to the citizens of the national capital. No other state government in India is working on bringing facilities like free electricity, free water, free WiFi and even free public transport rides for women.
Citizens woke up to an electric surprise
It is said that you only understand the value of something when you’ve lost it. The same can be said about the freebies in public facilities for citizens. Not many could have contemplated the joy which came when hundreds found out the hidden surprise in their electricity bills.
Consequently, social media is up in praise and endorsement of the AAP government’s work. Delhi’s citizens with a maximum consumption of 200 units per month received a bill with due of Rs. 0. Others consuming slightly more saw bills as low as single-digit numbers under the 50% subsidy slab.
Not just words but action
When AAP came out with the dynamic plan to give the unprecedented scale of subsidies for basic public services, it was eyebrow-raising for the opposition. Most rejected such freebies as bad politics. While some opined it weakens citizens when they get things for free. Others condemned the policy reforms and bad for economic sustainability. Many said it’s misleading and solely for electoral gains.
Firstly, freebies are not bad when they come for the underprivileged common folks. It is actually the ideal trajectory that governments should follow to bring in an egalitarian society. Secondly, it is not the foremost responsibility of state governments to be in profits our end a year with surplus money in their quarters. AAP is efficiently using the surplus to provide more and more to Delhi citizens.
In Election Mode for all Five Years
The third group of opposers to AAP’s plans were adamant that its electoral gains. It is to be acknowledged and also analyzed with a neutral point of view. Governments are supposed to work for the benefit of their citizens.
Moreover, any government can only sustain good work by consistent implementation in the long run. So, that makes coming back to power the central agenda for any government. Surely, that does not make intentions evil, provided they are delivered upon and are not just mere hogwash.
Governments are supposed to work for the benefit of their citizens who are the vote bank and will help them continue the good work by bringing them back to power.
Furthermore, it has to be noted that AAP has never denied this and even acknowledged it with open arms. Similarly, Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia stated that the party has been in ‘election mode’ for ‘all five years’ and this is how ‘elected representatives should be’.
Those who receive less from nature, ought to receive more from law
When Chief Minister Kejriwal first announced the electricity subsidies, BJP leader of Delhi Manoj Tiwari alleged that AAP’s scheme was misleading. Congress also echoed the same thoughts. However, the aim of AAP’s policy reform is to help the poor avail amenities what their resources are unable to meet.
So, the intention of AAP’s idea to provide free electricity is to help the poor use bare minimum household appliances. Such amenities are basic availability for all in rich countries but in India are still considered a luxury for over 70% of the population. In Deputy CM Sisodia’s words, “Those who have received less from nature ought to get more from the law.”
Further Electrification: Ending the Darkness in Delhi
AAP’s Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently announced another landmark development measure revolving around electricity. Under a new public lighting scheme called ‘Mukhya Mantri Street Light Yojana’ AAP government will install 2.1 lakh new street lights in the areas of the capital where roads still remain in the dark.
The idea behind the scheme is to make the entire capital’s roads as safe as possible, particularly for the women. Likewise, this falls in line with prior reforms like free Bus and Metro rides, Marshals on State Buses, and CCTV camera installations in residential areas.
Making the citizens a part of AAP’s ‘New’ Delhi initiative
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has time and again asked the citizens to come forward and be a part of the AAP government’s vision. Just like AAP did with CCTV camera’s which were installed in citizen’s houses but maintained by the government, it has invited citizens willing to have street lights installed on their terraces to come and join the initiative.
The electricity bills are symbolic of the atmosphere and society that AAP is envisioning to make in Delhi. A city where its citizens are active stakeholders in the running and upliftment of society. This doesn’t just go a long way to show the transparency in intentions of the AAP government, but the idea of inclusivity in its policy reforms. Unsurprisingly, AAP’s Delhi is quickly becoming a role model in sustainable governance, not just in India but for any metropolitan around the world.
