Sher

AshokChakra

ADDRESS

OF

SHRI TEJENDRA KHANNA

HON'BLE LT. GOVERNOR, DELHI

TO

The Fourth Delhi Legislative Assembly

(Budget Session)

15th March, 2011

            Respected Speaker and Hon'ble Members of the Legislature,

  I extend a warm welcome to all of you to the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi for the year 2011-12.
1. Last year, in the month of October, Delhi hosted one of the biggest sporting extravaganzas of the world. We have demonstrated to the world our ability to organize and manage a mega event like the Commonwealth Games. This would have not been possible without the support of the citizens of Delhi. I congratulate the players from Delhi who won 4 Gold Medals, 8 Silver Medals and 3 Bronze Medals in the XIXth Commonwealth Games. The players performed exceedingly well and brought laurels for the country as well as for NCT, Delhi. The Commonwealth Games conducted in Delhi were declared "green" games.
2. In the preceding ten years, Delhi has witnessed a sustained annual growth of more than 11% in its Gross State Domestic Product. This growth has translated itself in the unprecedented upgradation in city infrastructure. Commonwealth Games provided a unique opportunity to telescope infrastructure developmental efforts which have brought the city's infrastructure at par with that of any international city. Apart from this , a world class sporting infrastructure has also been put in place by the Government. We have to ensure that these facilities continue to be maintained properly and are put to optimum use.
3. While infrastructure development will further boost the economy of the state, it is imperative that all sections of the population become beneficiaries of the resulting economic growth. The growth, therefore, has to be inclusive to uplift the condition of the marginalized sections of the population. Last few years have witnessed a focused approach towards attaining this objective. The launch of "Samajik Suvidha Sangam" is a step in this direction.
          To evaluate the progress achieved so far, we need to consider important sectors separately. I begin with the transport sector since it plays a vital role in the day-today life of this megapolis.
4. The transport sector continues to be a priority area for this Government. Public transport has to improve significantly for the majority of the population to adopt it as the preferred mode of transportation. With the introduction of modern Metro Rail System, the modern fleet of Low Floor Buses, Roads and flyovers, the public transport system has undergone a paradigm shift. This endeavour is to be sustained for a longer period with the adoption of latest technologies and a suitable policy environment favoring the safe and comfortable public transport system as against private mode of transport.
             Under the Metro Rail Transport System Phase, approx. 185 kms of Metro line have been opened with increased connectivity to Noida (U.P) and Gurgaon(Haryana). The quality of Travel has improved substantially. The Metro to the Delhi International airport has become fully operational. Delhi Transport Corporation's fleet has been augmented to 6320 as on 03.01.2011. The current fleet includes 3615 Low Floor Buses, 2656 Standard Floor CNG Buses and 49 Diesel Buses for Inter State operation. Out of the 3615 Low Floor Buses, 2489 are Non AC Buses and 1126 are AC Buses. The bus cluster system in one part of the city is likely to commence operations very soon. Eventually, this cluster system would add another 4400 comfortable buses to the existing fleet. DTC has increased its bus depots from 34 to 46. These bus depots are located in different parts of Delhi, including rural areas, for better service. I would like to underscore that government has fulfilled its promise to phase-out blueline buses.
            Two iconic flyovers, each more than 4 kilometers, have been constructed and opened. The Elevated Corridor on Barapullah Nallah from Sarai Kale Khan to Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium has connected East Delhi to South Delhi. The Ring Road Bypass links Salimgarh Fort to Velodrome Road. Tyagraj stadium and Barapullah flyover have won the prestigious "Vishwakarma Award" for adoption of new technology, structural innovation and design marvel.
5. In the power Sector, Delhi has been the pioneer in ushering path-breaking reforms in this sector, which has resulted in elimination of persistent shortage of power, huge distribution losses and inadequate distribution and transmission infrastructure, etc. The Peak demand of power in Delhi which was about 3100 MW in 2002-2003, crossed 4700 MW during the last summer season and is expected to reach 6092 MW by the end of the 11th Plan. The projected power demand of Delhi is 8730 MW by the end of the 12th Plan i.e. 2011-12.
           In order to meet the growing demand for power in Delhi, the Power Department has initiated projects for power generation of about 4900 MW, Delhi has planned to have additional generation by establishment of new generating stations, Pragati-III Power Project at Bawana with installed capacity of 1500 MW, Indira Gandhi Super Power Thermal at Jhajjar with installed capacity of 1500 MW, Rithala Power Project of 180 MW Capacity and Dadri Power Project at Bawana of 980 MW capacity are power projects which are expected to be commencing production by end of this year. Apart from these , two new projects envisaged are Pragati-II Power projects at Bamnauli of 750 MW capacity and Waste to Power Projects at Okhla of 16 MW capacity. We aim to bring core generation to a level of 70% of total requirement as per guidelines issued by Government of India. NDPL has set up the first major Solar Power plant at Keshopur, which produces 1 MW power. It is a major step in clean power generation endeavour. Overall, Delhi would be surplus in Power generation from 2011 onwards. The street lighting system of the city has been overhauled. A total of 410 km of Street-lights have been upgraded.
6. Delhi's population is growing at a fast pace. The increasing demand for potable water has put pressure on water supply and sewerage services. This government has made relentless efforts in this direction to increase capacity by commissioning the Nangloi Treatment plant and Haiderput Recycling Plant. At present we are able to produce around 840-850 MGD water against a demand of around 950 Million Gallons a Day (MGD). We expect to increase production from the 840-850 MGD to 935-945 MGD by the end of the next year. There has been an increase of about 43 MGD of water from recycling Plants at Haider Pur, Wazirabad and Bhagirathi and full commissioning of Nangloi Water Treatment Plant. Despite overall availability of sufficient potable water, there remains a shortage of water in various parts because of terrain related constraints and existing gaps in the distribution networks. For equitable distribution of water in all parts of the city, the Govt. has planned construction of 53 additional water storage reservoirs all over Delhi. Out of the planned 53 reservoirs, 32 reservoirs have already been commissioned.
7. The Govt. of NCT of Delhi, in consultation with the industry and concerned Government Departments/ agencies, has formulated a new industrial policy. The concept and vision of the new Industrial Policy is to make Delhi a global hub for clean, high technology and skilled industries. The Government has also decided to create and maintain state of the art industrial infrastructure in the industrial estates of Narela, Bawana, Patparganj and Okhla. Business Facilitation Council in the Industries Department has been established to facilitate entrepreneurs in obtaining clearances from various departments/agencies in the shortest possible time. My government has taken a bold decision to bring about the minimum wages rate parity with the National wage rate. As per the revised rate a skilled labour will get ` 7410/-pm against ` 6448/-pm, semi skilled labour will get ` 6734/-pm against ` 5850/- pm and unskilled labour will get ` 6084/- pm against ` 5278/- pm. I am happy to announce that the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board has been established with the transfer of Slum & JJ wing of Municipal Corporation of Delhi. My government proposes to draw up ambitious plans for the development of slum areas and new affordable housing for slum dwellers.
8. Delhi remains a major tourism destination. About 40% of the tourists coming to India, visit this city. About 20 million tourists including domestic tourists travel to Delhi every year. The Government of Delhi has taken various initiatives in recent years for the development of tourism infrastructure, conservation of monuments & heritage, and tourist facilitation by setting up tourist information centers. Mega celebrations under the banner of Qutub Festival, Delhi Classical Music Festival, Jashn-e-Dilli, Youth Festival, etc were organized during the recently held 19th Commonwealth Games. Many iconic festivals like Bhakti, Ananya, Jahan-e-khusro and Gurbani have become the permanent features of the cultural calendar of the city. Ho-Ho (Hop on Hop off) buses have been introduced for the benefit of the tourists.
           Government has launched an ambitious project to preserve and conserve the built heritage of local importance under the provisions of "The Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act-2004". We have successfully completed conservation, land-escaping and permanent illumination of 17 monuments in various parts of Delhi
9. We are committed to provide preventive and curative health care services to the citizens of Delhi and also committed to the expansion of health infrastructure in Delhi. Chaudhary Braham Prakash Ayurvedic Charak Sansthan at Khera Dabur in Najafgarh Block has developed as an advanced centre of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy in a complex of 95 acres, which includes laying out of a herbal garden of international standard on about 70 acres of land. Construction work of 200 bedded Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital at Kokiwala Bagh is in progress. A200 bedded hospital at Chhatarpur, village Bamnoli and Maternity cum Health centre at village Jhatikra are also in progress. In the area of augmentation of health infrastructure, 10 new Ayush Dispensaries (4 Homeopathic at Garhi High Court, Hiran Kudna and Tajpur Pahari), (4 Ayurvedic at Janakpuri, High Court, Bank Enclave and Kondali), (2 Unani at RTRM and ABGH) have been added this year, 90 Mobile Van dispensaries are operating in the state.
           Under the Delhi State Health Mission MAMTA and ASHA schemes have been launched. A total number of 2855 ASHA's have been selected to cover all the Districts of the state. MAMTA Scheme will be further strengthened by increasing the scope of the scheme to cover more beneficiaries and caesarian deliveries. Swasthya YUVA Scheme, an alternative service delivery model providing a continuity of health care & health education through weekly health clinics, is being implemented in schools of five Districts in Delhi.
10. Our sustained efforts to improve the education infrastructure and quality of education have borne fruit. The Hon'ble Supreme Court has recommended to the other states to emulate Delhi initiatives in improving the Govt. school infrastructure. Government of Delhi has not only brought a complete turn around in the education infrastructure but also in the school results by infusing quality in the education system. At present, 937 schools are being run by the Directorate of Education, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi at various levels including 373 Sarvodya Vidyalayas. Assistance is being provided to 214 aided schools. About 14 lakh students are enrolled in Government schools whereas about 1.70 lakh are in aided schools. CBSE results for the standard X board exams have improved significantly from 48% in 2005 to 91% in 2010. Similarly, the result of class XII board exams has increased from 76.4% to 88.9% during the same period.
          Nursery classes have been introduced in 106 Sarvodya Vidyalayas by Directorate of Education in 2010-11. Now, all Sarvodya Vidyalayas have pre-primary classes. During session 2010-11, 09 new schools have been opened. 3 middle schools have been upgraded to secondary schools and 14 secondary schools have been upgraded to Sr. Secondary Schools. The Department has also put a lot of emphasis on training improving the infrastructure, e-Governance and on making learning joyful, interesting and meaningful so that children develop a desire to go to school and continue in school. These initiatives have led to a considerable increase in enrolment at all levels and a huge decrease in the dropout rates.
11. In the field of technical education, Delhi Technical University (DTU) has introduced 4 new B.Tech & 6 new M.Tech programmes in addition to 25 Ph.D Scholarships in last one year. Department of Training & Technical Education has signed various Memoranda of Agreements with the leading industries under 'up-gradation of ITIs through PPP scheme' to make the existing curriculum suitable to the requirements of the Industries in Delhi. Under this scheme five ITIs have entered with a partnership with leading industrial groups. These are ; ITI Nandnagri in the "Automobile Sector "with Tata Motors Limited, ITI Jahangir Puri in the "Automobile Sector" with Tata Motors Limited, ITI Jaffarpur in the "Apparel Sector" with V & S International Pvt. Ltd, ITI Narela in the "Construction Sector" with Punj Lloyd Limited and ITI Shahdara in the "Hospitality Sector" with Taj Palace Hotel Limited.
          In order to create a favourable atmosphere for the industries and services sector to flourish in the state, the government has launched the "Delhi Skills Mission". The mission has been able to impart skill to about 75,000 trainees till July, 2010 (against the set target of 50000) in various long term and short term courses. The Department of Training & Technical Education has also organized Job Fairs for the placement of trainees from the Polytechnics and ITIs of Delhi. For ITI passed students a Mega Job Fair "SOPAN 2010" was organized from 21st to 23rd December 2010 in which 91 industries/establishments participated and approximately 1760 students got placements in the salary range of ` 6000 to ` 15000 per month . For the Polytechnic students a job fair "AWASAR 2010" was organized from 26th to 30th April 2010. In this job fair 34 Industrial Organization/ Companies participated and approximately 212 students got placements.
          "Delhi Higher Education Aid Trust" has been registered to release scholarship for the economically weaker sections. I am happy to announce that Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar University and National Law University have progressed well in the last one year.
12. In the constant endeavour for growth and development one should not forget the environment. Nature provides us the required environment to reap the fruits of development. This government with its multidimensional approach for the protection of environment is actively engaged in overall environmental assessment, monitoring, protection and spreading of awareness among the people of Delhi. Persistent efforts have been made in the last ten years to increase the green cover in the city. Delhi has emerged as one of the greenest capitals of the world.
          On the issue of Combating Climate Change, Delhi has been the first city in the country to set a mandate and publish a detailed Climate Change Agenda for 2009-2012. Most of the efforts are also in-line with 65 action points identified under Climate Change Agenda for Delhi, 2009-2012. One of the major challenges in the environment sector is Air Pollution. Air pollution in Delhi arises mainly due to Transportation, Industries and domestic air emissions. Stringent emission norms have been set for air pollution control. 5 Continuous ambient air-quality monitoring stations have been established for this purpose. Diesel containing Sulphur content upto 50 PPM (Ultra low sulphur diesel) has been made available from April 2010. Subsidy under air ambient fund has been utilized for purchase of more than 34000 mobikes and 174 Reva cars (Battery operated Vehicles). Over 60 flyovers, 32 by-passes and under-passes have been constructed to reduce waiting time, thereby reducing automobile emissions.
13. Government is aware and concerned about the inflationary trend in last year because of many international and climatic reasons. In order to check inflationary trends, the Open Market Sale Scheme of distribution of Whole Wheat Fortified Atta at reasonable rates at 371 outlets has been introduced at three locations per MLA constituency. It is not necessary to have a ration card to get Atta from designated outlets. Due to increase in wholesale prices of pulses, the Food & Supply Department also started the retails sale of pulses at reasonable rates from various centres in Delhi through Kendriya Bhandar & Mother Dairy outlets totaling over 480 outlets.
14. Delhi government implements various plan schemes in order to accelerate the pace of Educational, Social & Economic Development of SC/ST/OBC/Minority communities by way of providing monetary support both as grant and loan. In order to create an atmosphere of financial security in senior citizens, my Government has revised the target of providing old age pension to 3.5 lakh persons, as against the earlier limit of 2.5 lakh persons.
15. The government has taken initiative to make judicial system proactive by setting up new district courts. With the opening of the Saket District Court, the number of District courts has increased to six. Government has also moved in the direction of Alternative Dispute Resolution with the prime objective of avoiding costly litigation and to promote the concept of "Access to justice for all". A society has been established under the aegis of the Law Department called the Delhi Dispute Resolution Society which oversees this mechanism. Many mediation centres have been started under the society.
16. In the Social sector, our flagship programme is " Samajik Suvidha Sangam" or "Mission Convergence", which has recently been awarded the CAPAM ( Commonwealth Associations for Public Administration & Management) Innovations Award for Innovations in Government Services and Programmes and the Overall Gold Medal for Innovation in 2010, out of 150 nominations which had been received this year. The Award is an affirmation of Delhi Government's commitment to the welfare of the poorest of the state. It has recognized the government's effort to reach the most marginalized sections of the poor, thus becoming a bridge bringing the government to the doorsteps of the poorest households.
           Approximately 9 lakh households have been identified by Mission Convergence through its unique survey based on vulnerability criteria. The network of 125 " Gender Resource Centres" -Stree Shakti is reaching out to this marginalized population that had for one reason or other been denied the fruits of development. Special emphasis is being laid on holistic empowerment of women & the girl child under its various programmes like Literacy, Laadli, Skill Development, Livelihood, Legal Awareness, Health & Nutrition etc. About 5.65 lakh women have been benefited through these activities between 2008 and March 2010. Information and awareness on various welfare schemes was provided to more than one lakh people and over 16000 persons have benefited through the grievance cell of the Centres.
          Mission Convergence has played a pivotal role in institutionalizing a mechanism for comprehensive assistance and care of the homeless in Delhi. On July 2, 2010 the Govt. of Delhi launched the Homeless Survey under which approximately 62,000 homeless have been mapped. Government has decided to open 2 homes at Jahangirpuri and Sarai Rohilla for destitute pregnant women.
17. The entire team of the Government of Delhi is working enthusiastically to make Delhi a world class city where citizens live with pride and harmony. Faith and confidence expressed by Citizens of Delhi and the co-operation extended to this Government have been instrumental in taking our efforts forward towards making Delhi a world class city. We have to work diligently for all-round development to meet the aspirations of our citizens.
18. Hon'ble Speaker and Members of the august House, I have presented before you, in brief, the highlights of some of the activities undertaken by my Government during the last one year and the challenges ahead. The Finance Minister will spell out further details, in her Budget speech.
I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all of you and wish you all success in your deliberations.
Jai Hind !!!
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