Carrying legacy forward: Rahul grants ownership rights to people

Thirty seven years after the grandmother allotted plots to those living in jhuggi-jhopris, the grandson on Tuesday conferred ownership rights to the residents of 45 resettlement colonies in the national capital.

At a function organised at Yamuna Sports Complex in east Delhi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is said to have completed the work that his grandmother and late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi began.

Speaking at the event, Rahul said that the residents of the resettlement colonies had been waiting for this momentous occasion.

Referring to the ‘unprecedented development’ taking place in Delhi, the Gandhi scion said that the role of the residents of JJ clusters and unauthorised colonies has been substantial. ‘Our government values their contribution,’ he added.

Rahul also used the occasion to highlight the achievements of the Congress and its pro-poor policies. ‘Only Congress governments can think of the common man and the poor. The UPA government has provided food security to people. Large number of villages were marred by hunger, hence ensuring food security is of foremost importance. It is going to happen after thousands of years that nobody would sleep hungry,’ Rahul claimed.

‘Apart from providing Right to Food, the government has given Right to Information, Employment Guarantee and Right to Education,’ he said.

‘The city has developed because of the hard work and sweat of the poor. We would never forget their contribution,’ Rahul assured. ‘Delhi has witnessed unparalleled development. Only Congress government can ensure such development in the capital city,’ he added.

The Delhi government had initiated the process to grant ownership rights in 45 resettlement colonies and had taken the union government into confidence on the matter. 

2.5 lakh households in 45 resettlement colonies are going to get ownership rights. This will benefit 15 lakh people. The original allottees would be charged nominal fee for this purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit said around 37 years ago, the grandmother had allotted plots to those living in jhuggi-jhopris, now her grandson is giving ownership rights of plots to the same people.