New Delhi, Mar 17: Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor today said the Delhi government had sent a proposal to the Centre for grant of statehood to Delhi and was awaiting a draft bill on the issue. In his customary address to the budget session of the assembly, Kapoor said the proposal, based on the resolution passed by the house last September, would serve as a precursor to the grant of statehood, devolution of specific powers and authority to the government through appropriate amendment to the 1993 act.
''The statehood proposal has been sent for the consideration of the Central government and a draft bill is now awaited,'' he said. During his nearly hour-long address, the Lt Governor enlisted the various achievements of the city government during the year gone by and also charted out areas of priority for the future.
During the last one year the government had paid maximum attention to the augmentation of power, water supply, transport and construction of roads and flyovers which were of vital importance not only for the economy but also for the well-being of citizens, he said.
''This is in consonance with the commitment of providing social security cover for the marginalised sections of society. Attempts have been made to ensure that the government works for the people and through 'Bhagidari' by the people.'' Underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring better quality of life for the poor and the underprivileged, Kapoor said it was in tune with this objective that a human development report would be brought out for Delhi.
''The report, in the process of being finalised, will articulate concerns and priorities for human development and address issues of freedom and equity. It will also enable initiation of affirmative action to mainstream such disadvantaged groups at the earliest.''
Bureau Report