Kejriwal's Housing Proposal for Dalit Sanitation Workers in Delhi

Synopsis
On January 19, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal proposed affordable housing for sanitation workers, seeking subsidized land from PM Modi. This initiative aims to assist Dalit government employees facing housing challenges post-retirement, with plans to start the program for NDMC and MCD workers.
Key Takeaways
- AAP leader proposes housing for Dalit sanitation workers.
- Request for subsidized land addressed to PM Modi.
- Payable installments for housing upon retirement.
- Initial focus on NDMC and MCD sanitation workers.
- Targets housing difficulties faced by lower-level government employees.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) Aiming to attract the support of Dalit government employees, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal proposed the construction of affordable housing for sanitation workers and has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting subsidized land for this initiative.
While addressing the media, Kejriwal stated that the Delhi government intends to build cost-effective homes for sanitation workers on land provided by the Central government. The beneficiaries will be able to pay for these houses in manageable instalments, ultimately gaining ownership at the time of their retirement.
"I have suggested that the initiative could commence with sanitation workers from the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), with plans to extend it to other government employees thereafter," he mentioned.
Emphasizing the welfare scheme he has proposed, Kejriwal noted that many lower-tier employees have shared their struggles with him regarding life after retirement.
"While employed, they reside in government-provided housing but must vacate these accommodations upon retirement. They often cannot afford to buy their own homes or manage the high rental prices in Delhi, placing them and their families in precarious situations," Kejriwal explained, recounting instances of sanitation workers living in slums after their retirement.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he shared with the media, Kejriwal stated: "As land-related issues in Delhi fall under the purview of the Central government, I request you to allocate land to Safai Karamcharis at discounted rates. The Delhi Government will construct residences for them on these plots, allowing workers to repay the housing costs in manageable instalments."
"This is a widespread issue for all government employees, particularly those in lower ranks. Thus, I urge you to initiate this program with sanitation workers and subsequently extend it to all government staff," Kejriwal penned.
This marks the second instance within a week that Kejriwal has rolled out appealing proposals ahead of the Assembly elections, targeting a specific voting demographic while placing the responsibility for implementation on the Central government.
On Friday, he had also reached out to PM Modi for financial backing to provide a 50 percent discount for students using the Delhi Metro.
The elections for the Delhi Assembly to select 70 new legislators are scheduled for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8.