AAP has to begin its campaigning for MCD elections by March-end. It came to power in Delhi in 2014, promising among other things to set up mohalla sabhas and cut electricity-tariffs, but has been criticized for not keeping its word. An RTI filed by NewsBytes found that AAP has not conducted any mohalla sabhas in atleast 2 districts in Delhi in the past 12-months.

Do you know? What is a mohalla sabha?

By definition, Mohalla Sabhas are forums where people meet, discuss and resolve the problems concerning them. Although the initial idea was for MLAs to interact with people, it was later said to be reduced to two meetings to take suggestions and vote on them respectively.

About The NewsBytes RTI

The RTI was filed by NewsBytes on 19th Jan to know the "total number of mohalla sabhas conducted in the past one year, across Delhi". The RTI was filed with the Office of Chief Minister. Replies were only received from north and south-east districts. The application kept transferring from one place to the other, before a partial reply was finally received.

02 Mar 2017 Delhi government creates statutory body for mohalla sabha Credits:

The first step taken by Delhi government towards instituting mohalla sabhas was creation of a statutory body, chaired by Deputy CM, Manish Sisodia. Various principal secretaries are its members. Similar to funds allocated in the previous budget, the statutory body needs approval by the Lieutenant-Governor. Previous budget allocation of Rs. 350crore could not be touched, as the existence of a government body was denied.

08 Mar 2017 Previous budget allocations untouched, present budget discards

In its third budget since coming to power, the AAP government neglected key poll promises including mohalla sabhas and free WiFi. In 2016, the government had allocated Rs. 350crore for the setting up of mohalla sabhas. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia noted, "the government couldn't spend the allotted funds, as the file was pending with the LG". He hoped for it to be cleared soon.

Data Delhi government announcement on mohalla sabhas

Delhi government announced the formation of 2972 mohalla sabhas in June 2016. The government also claimed in a press statement that detailed ground study had been conducted. Pilot studies conducted in 11 districts were allocated a sum of Rs. 253 crore for project execution.

Analysis Can AAP keep its promises?