Aam aadmi to shape Delhi's budget

NEW DELHI: The aam aadmi may get a say in planning Delhi's budget for 2015-16. In a step towards Swaraj (self rule), chief minister Arvind Kejriwal unveiled an experiment for participatory governance by asking people for directions about spending on development plans in their areas. The government plans to unveil its plans as part of a full-fledged budget in June.

In a pilot project, people in 12 assembly constituencies will decide by vote about development works they want done in their areas. Public meetings for this will be scheduled on April 12. Patparganj assembly constituency, which is represented by deputy CM Manish Sisodia, is likely to be the first one.

Speaking on 'Economic Development of Delhi' at the national conference of Confederation of Indian Industry, Kejriwal said, "We are going to do a small experiment to decentralize decision making." He said Rs 20 crore will be allotted to each constituency which will be divided into 40 segments. "Each of these segments will have a voters' meeting starting April 12. The next meeting will be held every subsequent Sunday. Voters will decide how to use the funds," he added.

"All requests by voters will be noted down and there will be voting. Whichever request gets the maximum votes will be resolved first. If the expense of any segment crosses the Rs 50 lakh limit then we will resolve that issue next year," the CM said.

Kejriwal further said that the budgetary exercise will be open to suggestions by the general public. "We are going to ask people to come up with ideas for the budget. Those with good ideas will be allowed to give a presentation from May 11-20," he added.

While sharing his vision on participatory governance, the CM sought the support of the industry to join hands with the government to make Delhi a better place to live. "I want to promote ease of doing business. In our government of 49 days we tried to do a lot of things to help the traders' association," the CM said.