MUMBAI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto on Tuesday in which it has promised 24-hour water supply, free annual health check-up and affordable housing for all. Every Mumbaikar will have a water connection on demand under what it calls ‘Right to Water for Mumbaikars’.
“It’s not just a manifesto but a contract signed with the people of Mumbai, which we are bound to execute in five years. The issue is about utilisation of the resources with transparency and accountability, along with the public participation,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The manifesto has a series of pointers on sectors like garbage, water, health and sewerage. It promises affordable housing by developing 11 lakh houses in Mumbai. All citizens are being promised a citizen smart health card to avail of free annual health check-ups and an annual medical insurance of ₹5 lakh per family. Every girl child born in Mumbai will get ₹5,000 from the corporation, which could be encashed when the child turns 18. It has promised 24x7 garbage pick-up service that could be tracked on mobile apps. The manifesto promises no sewerage tax for 50% of the Mumbaikars apart from waiving off street tax till the city gets pothole-free roads. Water tax will be stabilised for five years. The BJP also promises to make corporators, contractors and civic officials reveal their their annual income.
City BJP president Ashish Shelar said a retired judge will review all private public partnership contracts signed by the BMC. The Eastern Express Freeway will be extended from Govandi to Ghatkopar-Thane and thereafter connected to Metro-4.
“We will develop an integrated transport system to provide seamless connectivity on all modes of transport on a single ticket,” said Mr. Fadnavis. Double floor space index will be provided to structures in low-lying areas to attract builders to redevelop them. It has promised wider CCTV network and activation of 1,200 Wi-Fi spots.
Promising to set up eight sewerage treatment plants, it said the treated water will be used to wash cars. “About 1.2 million litres of water get wasted daily to wash 28 lakh registered vehicles in Mumbai,” said Mr. Shelar.
The manifesto said metal manhole covers will be replaced with fibre ones. Citizens and organisations who tip off on tax evaders will be given 10 per cent of the recovered taxes. A sum of ₹1,000 crore will be earmarked for the poor. Any building older than 15 years will be given occupation certificates and no additional property or water tax will be levied.
It promises to double the medical education seats by starting five medical colleges in the city. It also promises to introduce free bus service for municipal students and to include lessons on the history of United Maharashtra in the State curriculum.
The manifesto further promises development of the eastern coastline along the Bombay Port Trust and amphibian buses for tourists. A noise level-mapping will be done while sound absorbers and sound cutters will be installed in silent zones. The manifesto reiterated its promise to build memorials for Dr Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shivaji and Bal Thackeray. It said it will create a post of deputy Lokayukt for Mumbai to redress civic complaints.
