NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday urged the Central government to use the Delhi government's expertise in improving healthcare facilities and school education across India to make it the number one country in the world.
He also urged the cente not to name free education and healthcare facilities as "freebies". There has been political acrimony over the issue of freebies with the BJP accusing Kejriwal of using it as a "bait" to trap people for power. After officially opening the Bundelkhand Expressway in Uttar Pradesh last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against the "revdi culture" of giving away free things to get votes, calling it "extremely harmful" for the growth of the nation.
PM Modi had used the term "revdi" as a metaphor for the goodies that some parties promise to win over voters, warning the populace, particularly the youth, to be wary of it.
"We are ready to work with the Center to enhance healthcare and educational programmes. At a virtually arranged press conference, Kejriwal said, "I also request Centre to stop calling them giveaways.
Government schools must be opened widely and improved, guest teachers must be regularised, and teachers must be trained for the future. The Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener stated that India might then develop into a "wealthy country."
This can all be completed in five years. We already did this. I urge the Center to make better use of our knowledge to upgrade government hospitals and schools. All State governments may collaborate, Kejriwal said.
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