WILL EXTEND POWER SUBSIDY TO TENANTS TOO: KEJRIWAL
According to AAP leaders, the number of tenants who will benefit from this move is said to be in several thousands
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that his government would extend the power subsidy scheme to tenants as well, a move aimed at the lower middle class, the party’s support base, ahead of the civic elections.
“Tenants in Delhi are not getting benefits of power subsidy. Will make sure they are benefitted after the MCD elections,” Kejriwal tweeted Sunday morning.
This initiative is expected to benefit those who live in rented flats but have been denied of subsidy benefit by the owners who charged them at an “average rate”, said party sources.
According to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, the number of such tenants was in the thousands. Also, they were receiving complaints that tenants in unauthorised colonies and villages are devoid of such benefits.
“Instead of a separate meter for every flat, the property owners have got submeters installed. They charge the tenants on an average basis, which in many cases is arbitrary,” the AAP leader added.
Notably, this was the second largesse promised by the city’s ruling as Kejriwal had earlier promised that his party will abolish the house tax of residential properties and waive off outstanding if voted to power in the national Capital’s civic bodies.
“People of Delhi reeling severely due to corruption in Bjp-ruled MCD as house tax has house tax have become a ‘major’ source of corruption. Money paid Delhiites to the Bjp-ruled Corporations through taxes was being stolen by corrupt leaders and bureaucrats and the party (AAP) determined to end such practices.
“The party promises to abolish the residential house tax and waive off tax arrears comes to power,” stated the CM.
Also, he had vowed to transform the three civic bodies of the city into “profitmaking” bodies.
Two of the bodies – North Delhi Municipal Corporation and East Delhi Municipal Corporation – are currently grappling with financial losses.
“His party has delivered on most of its promises, including reducing the electricity charges and providing free water to 20,000 litre. Regarding house tax abolition, the AAP has made all calculations,” added Kejriwal.