Delhi Polls: Kejriwal Writes to PM Modi for Land to Build Housing for Sanitation Workers and Govt Staff

In a significant move aimed at improving the living conditions of sanitation workers and other government employees in the national capital, Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and AAP national convenor, reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On January 19, ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Kejriwal penned a letter to Modi, requesting land at concessional rates to enable the construction of houses for these workers. This initiative underscores Kejriwal's commitment to addressing the housing needs of government employees, particularly those at the lower end of the economic spectrum.

Kejriwal emphasized the plight of sanitation workers who, despite serving the city, spend their lives in slums due to the unaffordability of housing in Delhi. He proposed that if the central government could provide land at subsidized rates, the Delhi government would take on the responsibility of building homes, starting with those for the sanitation staff. "I have seen sanitation staff spending their lives in slums. I have written a letter to the Prime Minister to come up with a scheme for government employees. As land comes under the Centre. So, if the Centre can provide the land at a highly subsidised rate then the Delhi government can build a house for them. We can start by building homes for the sanitation staff," said Kejriwal during a press conference.

The AAP leader's letter to PM Modi detailed the critical situation of sanitation workers in the NDMC and MCD areas, who currently reside in government accommodations but are forced to vacate post-retirement, leaving them and their families vulnerable. Kejriwal requested the central government's support in providing land at discounted rates on which the Delhi government would construct houses. These houses would then be repaid by the workers through easy installments, making it a feasible solution for their housing dilemma. "Since land matters in Delhi come under the Central Government, you are requested to provide land to sanitation workers at concessional rates. The Delhi Government will construct houses for them on these lands and the workers will repay the cost of these houses to the Government in easy installments," Kejriwal wrote in his letter to PM Modi.

Kejriwal also expressed hope that the central government and the Prime Minister would support this initiative, as it aims to assist the poorer sections of society. He envisioned that the scheme, starting with sanitation workers, could later be expanded to include other government employees, thus addressing a broader issue of housing affordability among government servants. "I hope the centre and the PM agree on this because this is for the poor people. Later on, this scheme can be implemented for the other government workers too," he added.

This request from Kejriwal comes alongside other promises and initiatives aimed at making life better for Delhi's residents, including the provision of free water and power schemes for tenants if AAP wins, further showcasing his dedication to improving living standards in the capital.