Multiplicity of authorities major hurdle in Delhi's development says Sheila Dikshit

New Delhi: Citing multiplicity of authorities as a major hurdle in development of Delhi, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today made a strong pitch for single command system in the capital and demanded Congress President Sonia Gandhi's intervention to “end city's woes”. “It is a request that whether we get full statehood or not, we want single command system in Delhi, so that we don't have to run from one department or ministry to other to get things done. This hampers the development and growth of the city,” Dikshit said, addressing a rally at Shastri Park in East Delhi here today.Sonia Gandhi was the main speaker in the rally and present on the dais when Dikshit made the remarks addressing her.A month back, Dikshit had made the same request to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at a rally held at Mangolpuri.Urging Rahul Gandhi to solve the issue, Dikshit had said the multiplicity of commands caused confusion and delayed developmental work.“There are a number of authorities here, the government, MCDs, NDMC, Lieutenant Governor etc. Multiplicity of commands causes complexity and leads to confusion. If there is one command, this problem can be solved. I urge Rahul Gandhiji to work for the redressal of the problem,” Dikshit had said at the rally.In other demand, Dikshit also sought Sonia's assistance in developing a common economic and development zone in Delhi NCR.“Every year five lakh people come to the national capital in search of jobs. We have limited land. There is need to develop NCR, especially Noida and Gurgaon, and form a common economic and development zone, for overall development. “If that happens we will become the most progressive and the most prosperous state of North India,” said Dikshit. Reminding overwhelming crowd at the rally of the developmental works carried out by her government, Dikshit warned them “to not to fall in any trap led by opposition parties, BJP and AAP.”Delhi's progress should not stop. Any wrong decision to make Congress weaker or remove it from the government will not only hampers city growth but also creates problems for country besides Delhi.“It is not an ordinary city, but the capital of India. So beware and do not fall in trap. They (opposition parties) have not said a single sentence regarding how they will work for the development of the capital,” Dikshit said.Talking about the works done by her government, Dikshit cited examples of Metro rail, increased number of flyovers during the past 15 years and Ladli scheme for girls. “Compare Delhi of 15 years back with todays; you will see a drastic change. It is city of development. It is the city of best facilities, best health services and best education.“It has the best Metro and bus facilities. It is the city of our girls and our ‘Ladli'. It's the city of Congress' efforts of 15 years,” Dikshit said.She said there are figures which indicate that Delhi is one of the most prosperous states in India. As compared to India's GDP of 8.33 per cent, Delhi has recorded 10.33 per cent and because of this per capita income per year has crossed Rs two lakh, which is again the best in the country, the Chief Minister said.“There are four crore mobile phones in Delhi for the population of 1.7 crore. All these reflect the path of development and progress we are following,” she said. Dikshit today promised that her government would implement many “people friendly” policies if Congress returns to power in Delhi for the fourth term.“Our aim is to make Delhi the number one city in the world. We have set new goals in our manifesto which we want to fulfil in the next term. BJP and AAP are making tall promises and trying to mislead public. Congress does what it says,” she said.“In the next term, Ladli will be extended to ‘Kabil Ladli' so that girls can stand on their feet. The ‘Bhagidari' programme will be taken to the next level,” she said. “We want to implement policies for people's benefits. There were seven flyovers in the past, today we have 47 of them. But given the increasing number of vehicles, we plan to construct double decker flyovers.“We want to build lodge-type flats for those people who come to city in search of jobs and live in jhuggis or on pavements,” she said.“As we cannot put up industries in the city, we will encourage skill-based and service industries,” the Chief Minister said.Dikshit also promised to build hawking zones so that police or MCD do not harass road side vendors.