Arvind Kejriwal 7 Demands from the Centre for ‘Middle Class’
Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has unveiled a manifesto targeting the middle class ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. He emphasizes that this demographic has been overlooked by previous governments and accuses political parties of exploiting them financially. Kejriwal stated, “The middle class in India is being crushed under the burden of taxes,” highlighting their struggle with high tax rates and minimal returns from the government.
In his address, Kejriwal introduced seven key demands aimed at improving the lives of middle-class citizens, which he believes are essential for their welfare:
- Increase in Education Budget: Raise the education budget from 2% to 10% and regulate private school fees.
- Subsidies for Higher Education: Introduce subsidies to make higher education more accessible for middle-class families.
- Health Budget Increase: Raise the health budget to 10% and eliminate taxes on health insurance.
- Income Tax Exemption Limit: Increase the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- Remove GST on Essentials: Eliminate Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential commodities.
- Pension Plan for Senior Citizens: Introduce a pension plan specifically for senior citizens.
- Railway Concession for Seniors: Provide a 50% concession in railway fares for senior citizens.
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Kejriwal argues that these measures are not merely “freebies” but necessary investments in the welfare of taxpayers. He pointed out that similar initiatives in other countries are often praised, yet when implemented in India, they face criticism.
The AAP has previously launched initiatives like the Sanjeevani scheme, aimed at enhancing healthcare for the elderly, showcasing their commitment to supporting the middle class. Kejriwal’s manifesto is seen as a strategic move to resonate with voters ahead of the February 5 elections, where he aims to secure a significant mandate by addressing their concerns directly.
The AAP’s initiatives, like the Sanjeevani scheme for elderly care, underline Kejriwal’s commitment to using taxpayer money for taxpayer welfare, a principle he believes should be central to governance. This manifesto not only sets a tone for AAP’s campaign but also ignites a conversation about the role of the government in ensuring the well-being of its middle class..
