Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party might not have succeeded in expanding its reach to other parts of the country in any significant way, but it remains a force to reckon with in Delhi. The young party enjoys a rare distinction of forming the government twice in the national capital since its inception.
The party had an unusual birth. The leader of the party and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was among those who were at the forefront of an anti-corruption movement during the fag- end of the UPA- II Government led by the Congress.
In 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) slogan ‘paanch saal Kejriwal’ found such resonance in Delhi that the party ended up rewriting electoral history by winning 67 of the 70 assembly seats.
Here’s a look at Kejriwal’s failures and successes in past four years
By sticking to measures such as cheap power and free water the AAP has shown that it does not necessarily lack political will but often gets more busy in politics than implementation.
Health
With its Mohalla Clinic health scheme and focus and investment in education, the AAP government did well on two fronts.
One of the widely praised initiatives of the AAP government has been the mohalla clinics, or the neighbourhood primary health centres. The Mohalla Clinic scheme has been appreciated by the likes of Kofi Annan, former secretary general of United Nations and Gro Harlem Brundtland, former director-general of World Health Organisation, as a move towards achieving better health coverage.
At present, more than 150 locality clinics are functioning in Delhi, but people do not have complete information about this.
The government is providing free surgeries and radio-diagnosis tests at empanelled private centres, if the service is unavailable or the waiting period is long at Delhi government hospitals.
Also read: AAP irrelevant, we want to win all 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi: Sheila Dikshit
Education
Its work in education sector such as upgrading the public schools, strict guidelines to private schools to regulate the fees had won the praise of the people.
Delhi Government introduced ‘Happiness scheme’ in state-run schools under which there is a 45-minute-long period just to focus on how to stay happy. There is a special five-minute session of meditation practice.
Door-step-Delivery Services
After the successful completion of phase 1 of the doorstep delivery scheme, the Delhi government launched second phase on February 1. The new phase has 30 new services added to it and will be made available to the resident’s doorstep. These include schemes for reserved category students, paying motor vehicle tax, transfer of ration card and booking tour packages through Delhi Tourism.
Political Controversies
- Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash alleged that he was assaulted at Chief Minister’s residence.
- Clashes between the Delhi Government and the Lt Governor
- CM Arvind Kejriwal accused of dictatorship
