''My Delhi and I Care Fund'' launched in capital

New Delhi, Feb 6 (UNI) ''My Delhi I Care Fund,'' a monitoring system to involve citizens in upkeep and protection of their habitat through partnership with the government, was launched in the national capital today.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also launched Bhagidari Video Conferencing Issues Monitoring System at the Secretariat.

Speaking on the occasion, she said this would help in streamlining Bhagidari redressal and monitoring mechanism besides strengthening faith of citizen groups in the movement.

Ms Dikshit interacted with Bhagidars present at the district offices to redress their problems and grievances.

All Nodal officers of the stakeholder departments such as MCDS, DJB, DISCOMS, Delhi Police, DDA and Transport were present during the video conferencing.

The Chief Minister said ''My Delhi I Care Fund'' has been created with the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of nine districts to involve citizens in upkeep and protection of their habitat through partnership with the government.

The 'Fund' aims to attract citizen groups registered under the Bhagidari Scheme of the Delhi Government to contribute in various micro projects and maintenance works, designed to improve their immediate environment - in the true spirit of Bhagidari.

Rs 50 lakh has been allocated to each revenue district of Delhi to be kept under the control of the Deputy Commissioner, who is required to release the money to the asset owning and implementing agencies for execution of works.

Ms Dikshit also said an imprest amount of Rs 50,000 has been provided to each district Deputy Commissioner for carrying out any urgent nature of work.

Any urgent work within an amount of Rs 10,000 each could be completed without following elaborate tender procedure, she said.

The Chief Minister further said through the 'Fund,' resident welfare associations (RWAs) could take up tree plantation, development of water bodies, creation of recreational facilities for senior citizens (indoor games, TV, newspapers, space for interaction), establishing public libraries and book-banks.

''Provision of signage inside colonies and markets, protection of vacant public land in the colony, establishment of children activity centre and benches in public parks, beautification of colony parks roundabouts and traffic intersection, establishment of gymnasium and recreational facilities at community centres.

''Maintenance of sewer lines, construction and improvement of storm water drains, maintenance of garden and street lights, improvement and upgrading market places, construction and maintenance of urinals and public conveniences, construction and maintenance of dhalos and sanitation bins, maintenance of footpaths and pavements, replacement of manhole covers, repair of potholes in the colony, maintenance of boundary wall of parks and improvement and maintenance of parking places could also be taken up under this scheme,'' she added.

UNI AG MSJ RN1722