CM launches unique public- private initiative for poor

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) In a unique public- private initiative aimed at empowering the underserved segments of society, the Delhi government joined hands with Max New York Life Insuarnce to open a District Resource Center which will provide information about the State governments schemes relating to livelihood issues and welfare of the poor.

The Centre at Geeta Colony in East Delhi was launched with much fanfare by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who announced that nine such more Centres would be set up in the near future.

There was hope in the air as large crowds of the poor from the adjoining areas assembled at the Shamiana where the function was being held to know what was in store for them and how they could benefit from the new knowledge centre.

For Max New York Life it was an act of social corporate responsibility, an insurance major which of late has been bringing out investment insurance plans for the underprivileged.

''The first District Resource Center will serve as a platform to educate the urban poor regarding the various schemes run by the State government and help them to avail these,'' Ms Dikshit said.

The Center has been constructed by Max New York, as its Chairman Analjit Singh said the initiative would empower the underpriveleged, especially women in becoming financially self-sufficient and proucre a better livelihood for their families.

"It means a better tomorrow for them,''Mr Singh said.

The Chief Minister said every year nearly Rs 600 crores are spent on eight or nine schemes for the poor that were government-sponsored, but said due to lack of awarness about them, the benifits do not reach them.

The intiative will fill the void in this regard, she said. Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh K Mehta said the District Resource Center will be monitored and evaluated by senior officials of the State government.

Planning Commission member Sayeeda Hamid commended the project and said that it needs to be replicated all over the country.

Political observers, however, smelt the whiff of political air as election to the State assmebly are just round the corner.

In a similar vein, the Chief Minister recently had launched a programme aimed at achieving 100 per cent financial inclusion in a colony in South Delhi.

Mr Sandeep Dikshit, a Member of Parlaiment from East Delhi and the son of the Chief Minister, was also present on the occasion.

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