Extending the concept of ‘Delhi Dialogues’, the Aam Aadmi Party’s pre-poll initiative to hold dialogues with different sections of the population on key issues, the government on Friday constituted a Delhi Dialogue Commission to implement its vision for governance.
The Delhi Cabinet in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday approved the setting up of the nine-member Commission. “Before the elections, the AAP met and consulted many people about their problems and created a detailed manifesto based on this feedback. We also prepared a 70-point action plan based on these dialogues,” said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
The commission, which aims to provide a unique model of collaborative and inclusive development, will also suggest ways to use technology to further this goal, added Mr. Sisodia. “Task forces will also be constituted on various subjects such as water, electricity, pollution … and these task forces, which will also comprise experts, will consult the people and come up with the best solutions,” he said.
Mr. Kejriwal will serve as the chairperson and former journalist Ashish Khetan will serve as its vice-chairperson. The members will include Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary of Delhi, Principal Secretary Finance, secretary to the Chief Minister and a member secretary to be appointed by the Chairperson. The Chairperson will also nominate two other members to this commission.
Some of the initial task forces will be on rejuvenating and reviving the Yamuna and water bodies in Delhi (including ponds, lakes, baolis, tanks and rivers), checking air pollution, women’s safety and empowerment, e-governance, CCTV and Wi-Fi, comprehensive waste management and sanitation among other things.
“The government has decided to establish the Delhi Dialogue Commission to come up with appropriate solutions to a range of civic issues by studying good practices, policies and plans from across the country and the world and conveying them in the form of concrete recommendations,” said Mr. Khetan.
He urged people to provide suggestions on the commission’s email address: ddc.delhi.gov.in
