Started fulfilling poll promises from day one: Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: The AAP government started implementing its poll promises from its very first day in office, which is "unheard of" when it comes to politics in India, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today claimed.

Releasing a summary of achievements of Delhi Jal Board ( DJB) during the first year of AAP in power, he said, "The Delhi government implemented the provision of free water up to 20 kiloliters per family per month.

"This policy benefited all stakeholders as citizens reaped rewards of zero billing, cross subsidy bolstered revenue and incentivised lower usage."

"The government implemented its poll promises from day one itself, something unheard of in modern Indian politics," Kejriwal said.

He released the DJB annual report of achievements for 2015-16, listing a total of 212 gains and improvements in nine areas, including policy-level decisions, water sector, e-governance, revenue, administration, renewable energy and anti-corruption measures.

Proper demand-side planning, supply side management, organisational water distribution audit and proper water accounting tied to people-oriented planning were the themes of DJB's working under the first year rule of AAP government, said Kapil Mishra, the water minister and DJB chairman.

"DJB also made transformative improvements in water pipeline and supply, reaching constituencies like Dwarka, Sangam Vihar and Tughlakabad, truly moving towards the goal of providing water as a right," Mishra said.

"DJB has managed to improve on its working and monitoring vis-a-vis water and sewage management. An increase in revenue by Rs 170 crore dispelled myths of poor economics and furthered the positive outcomes of good governance," DJB said in a statement.

DJB CEO Keshav Chandra was present on the occasion.