BandraBuzz creating community connect since December 2010
April 2014 | Vol. 5 | Issue 4 (II) | www.bandrabuzz.com | www.facebook.com/bandrabuzz.newspaper | Price: `3
WHO WILL BE OUR NEXT MP? In order that our readers get to know the mindset of candidates standing for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2014 – & make an informed choice while voting, Bandra Buzz has interviewed them individually.
Madam Priya, this is your 3rd election that you are fighting as MP, what is different this time around? Well honestly, everything has changed. The constituency itself has changed, and I am representing a whole new demographic and area now as compared to my first election. The Mumbai North Central Constituency is almost 60% slum or lower income groups and the other 40% ranges from middle class to the super rich. This is a very diverse constituency in every way and my focus remains on trying to improve the standard of living both on a general overall level as well as at the intimate grass root level. I myself have matured in my job over the years and have been able to establish myself as a hard and tough worker. Much of my work involves activating various government agencies like the BMC, MMRDA, MHADA and one needs to be constantly at it, in order to get work done. I have also spent a lot of my time in the constituency understanding the grass root problems that plague us and devising ways to combat them. I always say, this is my home, this is where my family and I live, so what affects the people of the North Central affects me. This makes me more sensitive to issues pertaining to us directly. Could you highlight a few issues pertaining to Bandra (W) that you have taken up? I firmly believe that my greatest achievement as far as Bandra West is concerned is the fact that I am in constant dialogue with so many active citizen groups here. They are always there to guide me and consult with me on so many issues. It is through this interaction, that we have
been able to do raise and deal with some very important issues. The exorbitant increase in NA Tax that threatened every Housing Society in Mumbai was effectively dealt with. With action initiated by the Salsette Catholic Housing Society, and aided by the elected representatives, we got the Government of Maharashtra to withdraw the same. This came as a huge relief to the society home owners. We are currently pursuing various issues in the proposed amendment of the Maharashtra Co-op. Societies Act and the 74th amendment. Bandra recently has been plagued with an unprecedented amount of street crime and home burglaries. We led a delegation of citizens to the Addl. Commissioner who ordered a significant increase in police patrolling and presence in the area. We have also initiated the installation of CCTV cameras in Bandra West, Khar West and our aim is that we become the first totally monitored assembly in Mumbai. These efforts will certainly drop the crime rate in Bandra West and enhance the security of our citizens, especially the elderly and women. We are also proudly associated with the development of an Eco-Friendly Garden initiated by the UPRA, another fine example of how we work together with the residents of Bandra. My office also significantly contributes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Carter Road Promenade and the Bandstand Amphitheatre. We will soon add another landmark open space to Bandra West with the development of the Bandra Sea Link Promenade. Another issue that was brought to my notice by the citizens of Bandra was the overhead Metro Rail
PRIYA DUTT CONG Candidate
Project that was proposed to fly over Linking road. Along with some very active and dedicated citizens, we opposed the same and the new plan in now under consideration. There are many more such significant projects like the Milan Flyover, which was stalled due to rehabilitation of effected residents in the area - and needed serious intervention. The now completed flyover will be most appreciated during the monsoons, I guess. Further, we conducted several free Medical Camps, free Computer Education Camps for the elderly, vocational training camps for young women and much more. I also try and promote local cultural activities by supporting citizen or group led events as the St. Andrews Parish Zonal talent and sports competitions, Car Free Day and other such joys. TURN TO PAGE 2
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