Cheaper electricity, decentralisation of power, a Delhi Lokpal bill and protection to minorities are among the promises the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has made in its manifesto for the Dec 4 assembly elections released here Wednesday.
Announcing the manifesto, AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said the party will undertake a "radical experiment" of decentralising power by organising "mohalla sabhas" (colony assemblies).
"Around 3,000 mohalla sabhas will be set up in the 272 wards of Delhi. These sabhas will be given funds every year, and the people will decide what they want for their areas, like parks, street lights, dispensaries etc." Yadav told media persons.
"Decisions will not be taken by MLAs or officials," he added.
Yadav said that the Lokpal bill will cover all employees of the Delhi government "from the chief minister to a peon".
The party manifesto said that tariff for electricity will be slashed to half, and that the party will change the entire system of electricity distribution, which is at present being manipulated by private power discoms (distribution companies).
"We will order an audit of the discoms, inflated bills will be rectified and electricity meters would be checked by independent agencies," said Yadav.
As far as water supply to the city's residents is concerned, families that would curtail their monthly usage of water to 100 litres would not be billed by the government, said Yadav.
He added that control of the police will be brought under the Delhi government. At present, Delhi Police are under the jurisdiction of the union government.
"The DDA (Delhi Development Authority), Delhi Police and MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) would be brought under the authority of the Delhi government," he said.
Yadav promised protection of minorities and said "fake encounters and false cases against Muslim youth shall end".
