No more memorials in UP, says Akhilesh
It’s official: UP shall see no more statues. Instead, money would now be spent on the much-needed welfare for the poor – education, health and housing. HT reports.
It’s official: UP shall see no more statues. Instead, money would now be spent on the much-needed welfare for the poor – education, health and housing.
On May Day, this was chief minister Akhilesh Yadav’s message to the people.
Addressing a rally on Tuesday, the CM said his government “would not misuse funds on stones, memorials and parks”. The state government would now concentrate on the welfare of the workforce, the engine of growth in the country.
More than 60 years after Independence, there has hardly been any change in the lives of labourers, Yadav pointed out.
Even today, 35-year-old working in the Firozabad glass factories looks years older. "The industry has been unable to provide security to labourers and at many places, they are working under poor conditions.”
Adequate budgetary allocations will be made for health, sanitation and education of workers, he said. Housing was also on agenda.
Trade union leaders would soon be invited for discussions and the government would then take concrete steps, he said.
A plan was also underway to provide for the education and marriage of girls from economically weaker sections.
Pointing to Aganwadi workers present at the rally, the chief minister said a committee will be formed to prepare a plan for hikes in their emolument.
The pension for victims of Emergency would also be revived. During the chief ministership of Mulayam Singh Yadav, a monthly pension of Rs 500 was sanctioned to them, but it was discontinued in the Mayawati regime. Besides, they will be allowed other facilities, like free travel in UPSRTC buses, the chief minister said.