Citizen-centric governance on Lok Satta Party's manifesto

Lok Satta Party has promised citizen centric governance in its manifesto for the 2014 municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh, and an annual per capita grant of Rs 1000 at the ward level. In its election manifesto released by the party national President Jayaprakash Narayan here today, the party said that although people pay taxes and elect representatives to govern them, their living conditions in towns and cities continue to be deplorable. 

The party said the sole reason for this state of affairs lies in centralisation of power at the national and state capitals. Not even 25 per cent of funds allocated for various schemes and programmes percolate down to the citizens, the party said, adding that the remedy lies in taking the administration to people's doorsteps. The party manifesto envisages formation of ward committees and an annual per capita grant of Rs 1000. 

As a result, a ward committee representing a population of 4000 people would get a grant of Rs 2 crore in five years. A ward committee would formulate a development plan, supervise maintenance of drinking water supply, sanitation, roads, lights, libraries, parks, playgrounds, schools, healthcare institutions and creches. 

Ward committees would also supervise implementation of all government schemes at the ward level. The party has also promised community policing to prevent thefts and robberies and atrocities against women at the ward level.