1st Anniversary of AAP govt...

So, Finally Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did actually complete its one year at Delhi's legislative assembly with almost all seats occupied by their MLAs. During this tenure of 1 year, AAP had gained a few supporters while losing a few. But the question is what has AAM AADMI (the citizens of Delhi and not the AAP MLAs and party workers) gained. 

Since AAP had got a majority (67 of 70) seats which shows that the citizens of Delhi had put their faith in AAP, it would be better to point out their claimed achievements and visible good work/efforts first. Talking of the claims, like any other political party, AAP has a BIG LIST of its presumed achievements (Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/live-arvind-kejriwals-government-completes-one-year-in-delhi/1/595512.html):

• One of our poll promises was to subsidies electricity bills.
• Pending water bills till November 30, 2015 will be waived off. 
• We are hopeful to win the case in Supreme Court and electricity prices will further come down after CAG audit.
• The basic infrastructure in our education institutions needs to be improved.
• Now we are investing Rs 10,000 crores only for education.
• There will be mohalla clinics in each locality. Free x-ray, surgery and medicines will be available free of charge at all government hospitals.
• We will not allow quota admissions in Delhi schools.
• The government will inaugurate 20 Aam Aadmi polyclinics. 
• The basic infrastructure in our education institutions needs to be improved and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia is working on it.
• Now we are investing Rs 10,000 crores only for education.
• 8000 new classroom in government schools till july 2016, 45 new schools are being constructed.
• 100 new schools will be built this year.
• We want our government hospitals better than the private ones.
• One of our poll promises was to subsidies electricity bills. Today only two states in India have cheaper electricity than Delhi.
• Pending water bills till November 30, 2015 will be waived off. For A and B categories - 25 per cent, C - 50 per cent, and D - 75 per cent. of pending water bills till November 30, 2015 will be waived off.
• We are hopeful to win the case in Supreme Court and electricity prices will further come down after CAG audit. 
• We stand firm on our commitment for cheap water. We have been working on this. 
• Electricity and water bills are in complete disarray.
• I am disappointed that some people are still using water tankers because it's free.
• Delhi Jal Board(DJB) revenue increased Rs 176 crores after giving 20,000 litre water free.
• Areas where pipeline has reached won't get water tankers.

 Now the question comes that:

• Pending water bills till November 30, 2015 will be waived off (AAP) 

Is AAP setting a good example by supporting the defaulters who don't pay due amount to the govt. This waiver means additional burden of Delhi's limited income sources (which include tax-payer's money). Why an honest tax-payer is being punished in favor of a defaulter citizen, who needs to be punished (in the form of fine/legal actions etc) Such a step will only encourage the existing defaulters to continue non-payment of bills and even encourage others to go for non-payments. All just for the sake of votes? Where's the benefit to the society as a whole in such a politically motivated step?

• We will not allow quota admissions in Delhi schools.

This can be highly debatable issue. While those who were expecting to reap benefits of such quota will oppose this, but the question is that is this really a bad move. This is something that may be in the good interests of the society. All shall have equal opportunity to study in the best educational institutes (if they can afford the fees). Why shall a educational trust have discretion over whom to permit in their school. After all, schools are not meant to be business, do they? How can a school decide that the child of a vegetarian parents will be more suitable for their institute or that a govt employee's child shall be preferred. Such arbitrary criteria set by various schools are clearly against the right to equality, aren't they?

• 100 new schools will be built this year.

100 new schools in one year they say. A good thought at the first look. But the need is not only the quantity of education, but quality of education. The conditions of most govt. schools is well known to all. Hardly any minister/IAS/businessman/upper-middle class citizen even thinks of sending their children to govt. schools. WHY? the answer in one word is: QUALITY. And adding even 100 new private schools is hardly going to be of much help, if quality of our basic education is not improved. And secondly, it is well known fact that a school can't be constructed in a day or two. Have the approvals been initiated by the govt. Are the lands for these schools identified / allocated to concerned trusts for infrastructure development. Simply saying that 100 schools will be built won't help anyone.

• One of our poll promises was to subsidies electricity bills.

The govt's initiative to audit the accounts of distribution companies is a welcome step. Why these DISCOMS are against the audit? What are they hiding that they are afraid to reveal. And if such an audit leads to decision that can bring down electricity costs and hence the power tariff (without subsidies), it shall only be welcomed by common man and citizens of Delhi.

So, like any person or an organization, AAP has got certain plus and some minus. This post had only taken into consideration the promises of AAP govt and their implications. AAP has formed a govt in the state in its first attempt itself and got a clear majority in second attempt itself. But they need to realize that the treasury of govt is not for someone to use for their own political gains. It is meant for social development works and subsidies in any form (except to poor man) is only going to hammer the growth of the state in the longer run. Still certain bold and positive initiatives have been taken by AAP, which if implemented can really bring a change in otherwise boring and corrupt politics and society.

* The views expressed here are based on personal experience, and are based on what can be seen and heard of while residing in NCR. These are not meant to hurt anyone's sentiments and feelings.