BJP Leader and Former Mayor Ajit Jain Presented Key Demands to the Government Regarding Urban Development in Chhattisgarh

Raipur (BTI)– Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Rajnandgaon mayor Ajit Jain has been actively involved in grassroots politics for a long time, starting from his student days. He has consistently worked to address people’s everyday issues related to municipal services such as electricity, water, and roads, always fighting for the common man.

According to him, no effective measures have been taken so far to curb corruption and irregularities in municipal corporations. Even major media reports have often stated that not even God can reform municipal bodies. He might have had similar experiences himself, which is why, based on his observations, he has presented a valuable suggestion to the Chief Minister today for the development and elevation of urban local bodies in the state.
Ajit Jain today met with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Dr. Raman Singh, senior legislator and former minister Amar Agrawal, along with other key leaders, to present crucial demands related to urban development before the government.

Stressing the theme “We Built It, We Will Improve It,” Jain emphasized the need for urgent measures to strengthen urban bodies and bring transparency. His key demands include:

Relief in Property Tax
A 50% exemption in property tax for municipal corporations and councils.
Complete waiver of property tax for municipal panchayats, which are mostly linked to rural areas.
Jain recalled his tenure as mayor, during which he provided a 50% tax exemption for 20-year-old houses for 3.5 years, a policy that was implemented when the region was under Madhya Pradesh.

Strict Action Against Corruption
Considering the rising complaints of financial irregularities and corruption, he demanded the immediate appointment of a “Lokpal (Ombudsman) at the urban and panchayat levels” to maintain public trust.

New Model for Ward Development:
Establishment of ‘Mohalla Vikas Samiti’ (Neighborhood Development Committees) under the leadership of councilors to ensure effective resolution of local issues.

Empowering the Role of Mayor:
At present, collectors and administrative officers handle municipal operations, which creates coordination challenges.
Jain demanded that mayors be given the right to write the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) of the municipal commissioner, thereby enhancing their authority.

Transparency in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
He pointed out major irregularities in the allocation of houses to 30-year leaseholders under PMAY.
Urged for a joint investigation of officials and public representatives to curb corruption.
Demanded that all eligible poor beneficiaries receive housing under PMAY through a transparent process.
Ajit Jain stressed that these reforms are essential for public welfare and urged the government to take prompt action on these demands. He emphasized that ensuring transparency and accountability in urban governance would significantly benefit the people.