From pink bus service to golf tourism, “Parliamentary dialogue” to “proper respect for Punjabi language in Chandigarh” and 85 per cent quota for urban youth in Chandigarh jobs, the BJP’s manifesto in the Union Territory (UT) has highlighted a range of issues and assured its residents of an “aspirational” city.
BJP candidate Sanjay Tandon’s 20-page manifesto, which runs on the slogan “Modi is the guarantee, Tandon is the responsibility”, apart from its application to all sections of society including traders and businessmen, gives special focus on women, artistes, patients visiting Chandigarh and the important role of the Congress leader in dealing with the city’s bureaucrats in the administrative structure.
Tandon and Union Minister Hardeep Puri echoed the sentiment as the party released its manifesto on Sunday.
The manifesto specified encouraging ‘golf tourism’ in the Union Territory and stated, “Chandigarh’s golf courses are among the best in the country and the city will host national golf tournaments, encourage interest in golf among children, provide all facilities and organize special events to promote tourism through golf.”
The BJP also emphasised on “retaining Chandigarh’s talent” this time by promising to reserve 85 percent for Chandigarh residents. “In order to prevent the exodus of youth and maximize employment opportunities for locals, the Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation (MC) will aim to reserve 85 percent of jobs for locals through tenders and regular recruitment,” the manifesto said. “Furthermore, considering that Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, efforts will be made to ensure equal employment opportunities for the youth of Chandigarh in both states,” Tandon said while launching the manifesto.
Women’s Safety and Empowerment
The BJP’s manifesto said it would launch a special pink bus service to ensure safe and convenient travel for women to schools, colleges and workplaces. “Exclusive mobile police stations will also be set up for women to ensure their safety and reduce crime against women,” the manifesto added.
Incentives have even been promised for women involved in start-ups. “For the last 10 years, the Central BJP government has been continuously promoting start-ups. Special incentives will be given to ensure women’s participation in start-ups in Chandigarh so that they can contribute effectively to the economic activities of the region,” the BJP asserted.
“MP Dialogue” to interact with the public
To directly engage with the people of Chandigarh, the manifesto calls for a “Parliamentary Dialogue”. “Meetings involving BJP MPs, administrative and civic officials will be held every three months to directly engage with the people of Chandigarh in various areas,” the manifesto states.
Direct train to Ayodhya
The BJP also said it would work towards providing direct train services to Ayodhya so that devotees could reach the Ram temple. “We will work towards providing direct train services from Chandigarh to Ayodhya Dham for the benefit of devotees,” the manifesto said.
The BJP has pledged to introduce ‘Advanced Life Support Ambulances (ALS)’ in all government hospitals to provide immediate medical care in emergencies. It has also pledged to set up pathology labs in all clinics and strive to keep them open till 8 pm under the PPP model. “Traditional Indian medical procedures will also be provided,” the 20-page document said.
The BJP also mentioned a “Patient Welfare Committee” to provide medical facilities to patients who “have limited financial resources and are unable to pay medical expenses”.
Dealing with Punjabis
The Chandigarh BJP said the party would give “due respect” to the Punjabi language. “We respect the sentiments of all the people residing in the villages and city of Chandigarh and in accordance with the Constitution of India, Punjabi language will be given due respect in the public affairs of Chandigarh,” the manifesto said.
Tackling bureaucratic delays
The BJP also spoke of a “big problem” in Chandigarh – projects stuck on paper for years and decision-making delayed. “Our MPs will hold meetings every three months with the concerned officials in Delhi and Chandigarh to ensure implementation within the time frame,” the document asserted.
Entertainment Welfare Committee
The manifesto also states that a Performing Artistes Welfare Board will be constituted to promote and support the activities of various cultural performers, artisans and other artistes in Chandigarh.
Guaranteed entry into Grade 11
The BJP has assured all students who have completed class 10 from government or private schools in Chandigarh city to get admission to class 11. “If required, a second shift system will be started in schools to accommodate all students,” the manifesto said.
“Efforts will be made to upgrade CCET to an NIT to provide advanced technical education to students in the city and provide high-level employment opportunities in the technical field,” it further said.
Expansion of the High Court and special bus services for lawyers
The expansion is necessary to cater to the growing needs of lawyers and ensure smooth running of the high court, the document said. “Furthermore, special bus services will be provided for lawyers travelling to various courts in Chandigarh,” it added.
A city of dreams
“A ‘Vibrant Chandigarh’ conference will be organised to attract new entrepreneurs and businessmen to invest in Chandigarh and promote fresh investments and job creation through new industries and businesses,” the manifesto said.
According to the document, the BJP wants to make Chandigarh a “city of aspiration” and, to that end, it plans to develop the “beautiful city” into a hub for start-ups, business, education, tourism, healthcare and sports.
