Her govt yielding to builders,NCP leader says cap their profits

Chavan is a corporator from Malad and has been active on civic,social and womens’ issues for two decades. She was with the Janata Dal (S) before joining the NCP and getting elected to the BMC in 2007.

“The issues I will take up on priority include the need for government control on profit margins of traders and businessmen,raising the eligibility norms for those living below the poverty line to accommodate the middle class reeling under inflation,and remunerative prices for farm produce,” Chavan said. “Right from builders who incur a cost of Rs 900 on a square feet of construction and sell it at Rs 5,000 to 50,000 per square feet,to the retailer who buys a vegetable from the wholesaler for Rs 5 per kilo and sells it for Rs 50 per kilo,the government should have control over prices and fix even retail prices.”

She said traders are reaping huge profits but farmers are not getting good prices. Issues of farm labourers,rural women,tribals,Dalits and slum dwellers need attention,she said.

“In two weeks,I’ll call a meeting of our activists and have a brainstorming session,” she said,“I’ll pick up good women from among them to implement our agenda. In one year I’ll develop a formidable cadre of women workers.”

About Mumbai’s problems,she said,“In all wards we need to construct mini-hospitals,say of 20 beds each,with pathological laboratories,” she said. “We need more toilets Corruption in the BMC is a major issue apart from lethargy and citizens should be involved in raising thse issues.”