ASSOCHAM suggests 7-point growth agenda for political parties

Industry body ASSOCHAM today suggested a seven-point growth agenda for political parties to include in their election manifesto for all round-development of the national capital.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India paper entitled, 'ASSOCHAM Suggestions for Election Manifesto of Political Parties in Delhi', highlights issues concerning Delhi like politics, governance, infrastructure, livelihood security, economic security, energy security and ecological and state security.
The paper, released by Chairman of the Northern Region Development Council, Lalit Khaitan, aims to create consensus on Delhi-specific issues to achieve a higher growth trajectory.
The industry body said the paper was meant for all major political parties in Delhi like BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, and others.

It suggested that the government create a safe, supportive and responsive environment for women, children and senior citizens.
"There was an urgent need for setting up of more working women's hostels to enhance safety of women at workplace and in general.

"Besides, more old age homes should be set up for senior citizens and rehabilitation centres should be planned for drug addicts or ragpickers and beggars, providing proper counseling and support services," said Khaitan.
The paper also stressed on the need for developing quality healthcare, ensuring easy affordability and accessibility.
The condition of government hospitals should be improved and multi-specialty clinics should be built on the public- private partnership (PPP) model to meet the rising healthcare demand, the paper said.

It also asked the parties to work on providing medical insurance facilities to poor people in backward zones.
Suggesting measures to promote education, the chamber said private schools should be pushed to provide admissions to kids from the economically weaker sections.
It also said that scholarships for poor scheduled caste/ tribe students should be raised to Rs 12,000 per annum.