Women Reservation in Local Government

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to address you today on the vital issue of women’s reservation in local
government. This topic is not just a matter of policy but a cornerstone of the Aam Aadmi Party’s
(AAP) commitment to inclusive, democratic governance that truly represents the people.

In India, the participation of women in politics has been historically low, a glaring disparity in a
nation that prides itself on its democratic ethos. The Aam Aadmi Party believes that true
democracy cannot flourish if half the population is underrepresented. Therefore, women’s
reservation in local government is not merely an option—it is a necessity.

**Empowerment through Representation**

The AAP has always stood for the empowerment of marginalized communities. Women, who
constitute nearly half of our population, have been sidelined for too long. By ensuring their
representation in local government, we are not just fulfilling a democratic duty but also enriching
our governance with diverse perspectives and solutions. Women bring unique insights and
approaches to problem-solving, particularly on issues like healthcare, education, and social
welfare, which directly impact families and communities.

**Grassroots Democracy**

Local government is the bedrock of our democracy. It is where policies translate into real-world
impacts. When women have a seat at the table in local governance, they can directly influence
the decisions that shape their communities. The AAP believes that empowering women at the
grassroots level creates a ripple effect, fostering greater female participation in state and
national politics.

**Success Stories**

In states where women’s reservation in local government has been implemented, we have
witnessed remarkable transformations. Villages and towns led by women have seen improved
public services, greater transparency, and heightened community engagement. The AAP
champions these success stories as evidence that women are not only capable leaders but
transformative ones.

**Challenges and Commitment**

We acknowledge the challenges—social, economic, and cultural—that hinder women’s

participation in politics. These barriers include patriarchal mindsets, lack of resources, and
limited access to education. The AAP is committed to addressing these challenges head-on. We
advocate for policies that provide financial support, capacity building, and educational
opportunities for women aspiring to political roles. Our party is dedicated to creating an
environment where women feel empowered and supported to step into leadership positions.

**Vision for the Future**

The AAP envisions a future where women’s reservation in local government is a stepping stone
towards a fully inclusive and equitable political landscape. We believe in a society where gender
parity is the norm, not the exception. By championing women’s reservation, we are laying the
foundation for a more just and balanced society.

In conclusion, the Aam Aadmi Party sees women’s reservation in local government as a crucial
step towards achieving true democracy. It is about justice, equity, and the recognition that
women’s voices are indispensable in shaping the future of our nation. Let us work together to
break the barriers, to lift each other up, and to build a political system that truly represents the
diverse and vibrant fabric of India.

Thank you.

Funding for Local Government

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for gathering here today to discuss a topic of paramount importance to the future of
our nation—funding for local governments. This issue lies at the heart of the Aam Aadmi Party’s
(AAP) vision for a robust and inclusive democracy, where power truly belongs to the people.

**The Importance of Local Governments**

Local governments are the backbone of our democracy. They are closest to the people and best
positioned to address the day-to-day needs of communities. From providing basic services like
water, sanitation, and education to addressing local infrastructure and public health, local
governments play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens. However, their ability
to perform these functions effectively hinges on adequate funding.

**Current Challenges**

The Aam Aadmi Party recognizes that local governments across India are facing severe
financial constraints. These constraints limit their capacity to deliver essential services and
undertake development projects. The primary reasons for this include inadequate fiscal
transfers from higher levels of government, limited revenue-generating capabilities, and
bureaucratic delays in fund disbursement. Such challenges undermine the very essence of
decentralized governance and democracy.

**AAP’s Commitment to Empowering Local Governments**

The AAP is committed to transforming this scenario. We believe that true empowerment of local
governments requires not just political and administrative autonomy but also financial autonomy.
Our vision is to create a framework where local governments have the necessary resources and
flexibility to address local issues promptly and effectively.

**Enhanced Fiscal Transfers**

Firstly, the AAP advocates for a significant increase in fiscal transfers to local governments. We
believe that a greater share of national and state revenues should be allocated to local bodies.
This can be achieved through a more equitable distribution formula that takes into account the
specific needs and developmental goals of each locality. Increased funding will enable local
governments to undertake comprehensive development plans tailored to their unique
challenges and opportunities.

**Strengthening Revenue-Generating Capacities**

Secondly, local governments need to enhance their own revenue-generating capacities. The
AAP supports measures to broaden the tax base at the local level, including property taxes and
local business taxes, while ensuring that these measures do not place an undue burden on
citizens. We also advocate for innovative financing mechanisms, such as municipal bonds and
public-private partnerships, to fund local infrastructure projects.

**Transparent and Efficient Fund Utilization**

Transparency and efficiency in the utilization of funds are crucial. The AAP champions robust
mechanisms for accountability and transparency in local government finances. We propose
regular audits, public disclosure of financial statements, and active community participation in
budget planning and monitoring. This will ensure that funds are used effectively and that local
governments are held accountable for their financial decisions.

**Capacity Building**

In addition to funding, local governments need the capacity to manage and utilize these
resources effectively. The AAP is committed to capacity-building initiatives that provide local
officials with the necessary skills and knowledge in financial management, planning, and
governance. Training programs and technical assistance can empower local governments to
optimize their resources and deliver better services to the people.

**A Vision for the Future**

Our vision is clear: a future where local governments are not just administrative entities but
vibrant centers of innovation and development. We see a future where empowered local bodies
drive sustainable development, where citizens actively participate in decision-making, and
where every locality can thrive based on its unique strengths and aspirations.

In conclusion, the Aam Aadmi Party firmly believes that adequate funding for local governments
is a cornerstone of true democracy and sustainable development. By ensuring that local bodies
have the financial resources, autonomy, and capacity they need, we can build a stronger, more
resilient, and inclusive India. Together, let us work towards a future where local governments are
empowered to serve their communities effectively and efficiently, making democracy work for
everyone, especially the common man.

Thank you.

Speech Pointers

1. Creation of illogical and socially harmful debates like cow politics, nationalism, hindu-muslim
disharmony, Mughal raj, Tipu sultan, Padmavati etc. the list is long.
Imposing stance on Hindi language, in order to keep happy its vote bank in Hindi belt, BJP is
hell bent on imposing the Hindi language on the people who don’t either know it or want it.
BJP projects itself differently but plays the caste card perfectly, the press conference of Amit
Shah for declaration of Presidential candidate symbolizes the same, The impeccable image,
long illustrious career and personality of candidate was no zero significance, his being a DALIT
was! Amit shah made a DALIT out of a properly worthy candidate for president-ship.

2. Drawbacks of CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019):

•}The bill does not protect all religious minorities, nor does it apply to all neighbours. The act is
violativeof Art. 14 of the Constitution that guarantees the right to equality to both the citizens and
foreigners and the principle of secularism enshrined in the preamble of the constitution.
•}CAB won’t apply to areas under the sixth schedule of the
Constitution that deals with autonomous tribal-dominated regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura
and Mizoram.
•}The bill will also not apply to states that have the inner-line permit
regime (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram).
•}It is difficult for the government to differentiate between illegal
migrants and those persecuted.
The act may worsen our bilateral ties with neighbouring countries where religious oppression
has happened.
Drawbacks of NRC:

•}People who found themselves on the first list that was released on January 1, 2018, didn’t find
their names in the second. Even the family of a former President of India is not mentioned on
the list.
It will be very difficult to physically verify all the members who are not on the list.
 •}Deportation and detention camps are not good options for a
democratic country like India.

3. Farmer suicides rose sharply during the Modi government’s tenure. In its final budget,
the BJP on the demand of minimum support price plus 50%, gave a version that
satisfied no one. In parallel, the Modi government imported wheat and pulses without
thought – leading to the prices of domestic produce crashing. Add to this – the
ill-advised venture to amend the land acquisition Act of 2013; to forcibly acquire the land
of farmers.
Dimensions of Farmers’ Indebtedness: Who is Indebted?
Farmers have resorted to all manner of agitations to catch the BJP government’s
attention. They have marched and held large scale agitations thrice this year. They have
brought the mortal remains of their brethren, who committed suicide, to shock this
government into action. The children of those farmers who took their own lives held
peaceful protests barely a kilometre away from parliament. Not a single representative
from the BJP Government designed to meet with any of them or even acknowledge
their presence .
This would be at the top of any list for its sheer lack of success and the widespread
havoc that it inflicted on the economy. While being taught now as a cautionary tale in
business schools overseas, it enjoys the unique distinction of having failed on every one
of its stated objectives (combatting terror funding, fake notes and black money) while
having wiped out jobs. Studies by noted economist Arun Kumar and the Centre for
Monitoring Indian Economy continue to illustrate that we are not out of the woods yet.

4. Disregard of article 21 and the amendment number 42 of Constitution of India

Poor handling of Kashmir issue, we have seen more number of infiltration, civilian and defense
forces causalities in last three years as compared to 15 years preceding it.

5. Responding to Prime Minister Modi’s charge that the Congress was creating a North-South
divide, Mr. Kharge said those who falsely accuse others of promoting division and regionalism,
do not even remember their own words.

“Modi ji, when you were the Chief Minister of Gujarat, you used to talk about the tax rights of
Gujarat with the UPA government. Then you said that States should get 50% tax. You also said
that people of Gujarat pay ₹48,600-crore tax and get only 2.5% back,” Mr. Kharge said.

“Non-BJP ruled States such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh
are being discriminated against and neglected. They [Centre] don’t release funds and then say
we have released the funds but it was not spent. They purposely stall work... this is a big
conspiracy of the BJP,” he added.

The Congress chief said whenever Prime Minister is asked about inflation, he talks of
Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Earlier, he had promised two crore jobs every year and
minimum support price (MSP) to farmers but since they could not be fulfilled, Mr. Kharge
claimed, the Prime Minister has made new promises as “Modi guarantees”.

“The Congress ensured country’s Independence and in 2024, it will take country out of BJP’s
‘darkness of injustice’,” claimed Mr. Kharge.

6. .Misuse of CBI and ED — They are being used for political purposes as far as I can see, but
even if they aren’t, the fear that these institutions will be unleashed on people if they speak up
against anything Modi/Shah-related is real. This is enough to kill dissent, an integral component
of democracy.

7. Failure to investigate Kalikho Pul’s suicide note, Judge Loya’s death, Sohrabuddin murder,
and the defence of an MLA accused of rape whose relative is accused of killing the girl’s father,
with the FIR in the case not registered for over a year..!

8. Running news channels that are owned by BJP leaders who’s sole job is to debate
Hindu-Muslim, National-Antinational, India-Pakistan and derail the public discourse from issues
and logic into polarising emotions. You all know exactly which ones, and you all even know the
debaters who’re being rewarded for spewing the vilest propaganda.

9. The biggest promise made by Modiji of granting employment to about two crore of youths
every year that virtually tilted the electoral results in the BJP favour has proved to be a farce. It
came to light when this government issued figures on its own showing that only a handful of
youth could get employment. The same result is to be found on the corruption front. Despite the
stiff resistance of the opposition about the corruption ruling the roost in the BJP- ruled states like
MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, Modiji did nothing except maintaining a stoic silence. House is
being looted and its mukhiya is snoring

The Vyapam scandal in Madhya Pradesh has been one of the worst scams India has ever seen
where lakhs of crore changed hands and dozens of those associated in it were mysteriously
killed but no trace of killers could have been spotted so far. Vyapam mega scandal grabs a
position of pride among the biggest scandals of free Indian history. About 50 people were killed
and thousands of talented youths were deprived of their bright future. The scandal grabbed
international attention and everywhere the demand to oust Shivraj Singh Chauhan was raised
but Modi government continued to cover it up same is the case with Raman Singh’s government
which has been involved in a number so scandals like paddy scandals, allotment of mining
fields as well as the PDS scam. Apart as well as it came in far severe charge of bungling in
programmes launched for the welfare of downtrodden and Adivasis, similarly serious allegation
of scandal in allotments of mines was leveled against Vasundhara Raje government in
Rajasthan on the basis of ample evidence. Vasundhara Raje government distributed mines
worth of 45,000 corers among its favourites setting aside all the mandatory process of bidding.

When all these reports of scandal were coming to the fare, right that moment, a report of close
proximity between absconding former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi and Vasundhara Raje as
well as Sushma Swaraj surfaced. All opposition parties including the Congress pressed the
government for prompt actions in the Parliament demanded vociferously a reply from the
government on the issue but Modiji maintained took refuse in ‘Mannvrata’ (complete silence).
Modiji’s silence is the admission of the fact that planks bandied around during elections had no
real value and were meant for only belying the people. His muchhyped style statement of
sloganeering that “Na khaunga, Na Khane Dunga (Neither will I will eat or nor will I let anyone to
eat public money!)” The smokescreen has vanished into a thin, thin air.

10. Congress assesses challenges of local authorities in migration management in Poland, the
Republic of Moldova and Romania
Congress assesses challenges of local authorities in migration management in Poland, the
Republic of Moldova and Romania
Congress launches a curriculum on human rights and anti-discrimination for local authorities in
Georgia
Congress launches a curriculum on human rights and anti-discrimination for local authorities in
Georgia

11. The Congress periodically observes local and regional elections in Council of Europe
member States and, sometimes, beyond. This activity, which may be organised in cooperation
with other international organisations, complements the political monitoring of the European
Charter of Local Self-Government

12. Karnataka Congress Government fastracked the construction pace & completed 42.3
Kilometers of Metro Track in a span of 5 years and opened it for public service. By the end of
term of the Govt, construction of further 72 Kilometers of Metro Track was also in final stages.

13. During the tenure of Rajiv Gandhi, the digital revolution started. The use of computers and
the establishment of PCOs in villages heralded the “Communication Revolution”.

14. The comparative statistics of the years 1947 and 2014 under various socio-economic
indices can be understood through the following analysis: The total population of India in 1947
was 34 crore, which grew to 127 crore in 2014. The literacy rate was 12 per cent earlier, and 80
per cent in 2014. The average life span increased from 34 years to 68 years. The number of
colleges and universities increased from 496 and 20 to 34,452 and 740 respectively. The
number of engineering colleges and medical colleges rose from 36 and 19 to 3,345 and 387
respectively. The annual income per person increased from ₹274 to ₹72,805. There was a
significant rise in GDP, from 2.7 lakh crore in 1947 to 130 lakh crore in 2014. In 1947, 80 per
cent of the population was Below Poverty Line, which decreased to 21.6 per cent in 2014. The
production of agricultural produce, electricity, cement and steel has grown from five crore to 26
crore tonnes, 1,362 MW to 2.37 lakh MW, 21.5 MT to 280 MT, and 1 to 87.67 MT respectively.

The aforementioned analysis proves that there has been holistic progress in the nation in all
fields from 1947 to 2014. The hard work of citizens deserves credit for this.