Vision document, copy of Cong manifesto

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Monday, came out with his own ‘vision document’ for
Bengaluru, which appears to be a re-packaged version of the Congress party’s manifesto released recently.

Be it effective disposal of garbage, TenderSURE footpaths or expediting Metro rail project, a majority of the promises in the four-page document are a mere repetition of the manifesto. Though the document was released at KPCC main office and State Congress leaders, including State party chief G Parameshwara, were present, many party leaders were said to be against it.

Addressing the media after releasing the document, Siddaramaiah said his government had a vision and a dream for Bengaluru. “The government wants to make Bengaluru one of the top 50 cities in the world. We want to strengthen brand Bengaluru,” he said.

Asked about the need for a vision document, when the party has already released its manifesto, he said he only wanted to highlight some of the points in the manifesto.

The chief minister said that he would bring the government closer to citizens at the ward level through technology. Steps will be taken to increase accountability of elected representatives and service providers to citizens. If the party gets a majority in the BBMP polls, promises made in the vision document will be implemented in the next five years, he said.

Siddaramaiah said there was a wave in favour of the Congress in the elections and expressed confidence that it would win absolute majority.

*Completion of Namma Metro phase I by March, 2016
*Completion of 76-km of Metro phase II in next three years.
*Coordination committee to oversee functions of all service providers in the city.
*Statute for making garbage segregation mandatory at source.
*Hitech policing and swift action on crime against women and children.
*Lake rejuvenation
*Construction of 3 lakh houses for the poor.
*Free meals to children at all anganwadis and govt schools
*Percentage of property tax from a ward given for ward projects as incentive.
*Promote role of residents’ welfare associations.
*More services under Sakaala.
*Start-up support for developing citizen-based mobile apps.