Former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Vijay Goel today visited the residence of Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to greet him on his 90th birthday. Atalji smiled and responded to him.  
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced that Ataljis birthday will be celebrated as Good-Governance Day and people across the country should participate in ‘Swacchta Abhiyan’. On this occasion, Shri Goel participated in a cleanliness drive from Jama Masjid Police Station and swept broom with locals and party karyakartas through the historic bylanes of Chandni Chowk. Chandni Chowk is one place which has always been very dear to Atalji and he frequented ‘Paranth-wali Gali’ a lot. Shri Goel said, “Those sweet memories have been revived today.”

Today on this ‘Swacchta Abhiyaan’ Shri Goel was accompanied by Jai Prakash, Vice President BJP Delhi, Shri Suman Gupta, Chandni Chowk District President, Shri Praveen Jain and several party workers.
Shri Goel said, “Like always, this year too a ‘Bhajan Sandhya’ was organized at FICCI Auditorium to celebrate the 90th birth anniversary of Former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The evening saw a presentation of devotional songs by Padam Shri Anup Jalota. Ministers of Government of India, Eminent Personalities, Members of many Ngos, RWAs and thousands of party workers and fans of Atalji were present at the event.

Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel today called upon Lieutenant Governor led Delhi administration to ensure that street lights function properly during these days.
 
Shri Goel said, “People from across Delhi have written to me on Twitter and Facebook to speak with officials to ensure street lights function properly across the city. In such harsh weather conditions when visibility is close to negligible, it’s all the more imperative to ensure proper lighting on roads to safeguard people from potential road mishaps.”
 
He further added that the other day while travelling through BRT corridor the stretch near Chirag Delhi Flyover, I noticed that none of the lights were functioning. Many accidents have been reported at BRT corridor in the past. We must take immediate steps to ensure that lack of proper lighting doesn’t lead to any such incidents.
 
Urge all responsible citizens of Delhi to donate their old clothes, shoes and blankets for the city’s homeless and needy at the nearest night shelters.
 
People usually donate old clothes, woolens, blankets but this time we all must come forward and also donate shoes as people are dying of the chills which reach the brain directly from the feet.
 
Congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, BJP National President Shri Amit Shah and party karyakartas for the historic win in Jharkhand. He said, “Modiji’s agenda of development and message of good governance has reached every nook and corner of the country. Today everyone believes that only Modiji can bring back the golden era of development in the country and people will only vote for a BJP Government in any forthcoming elections in states across the country.”

Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel today announced that on one hand where Delhi will celebrate the 90th birth anniversary of Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on the same day Bharati Janata Party leaders and workers will participate in ‘Swachhta Abhiyaan’ across Delhi on PM Narendra Modi’s appeal.
 
Shri Goel said, “We are organizing a ‘Bhajan Sandhya’ to get together to celebrate the birth anniversary of India’s most revered Statesman Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and pray for his long and healthy life.”
 
The event will take place at FICCI auditorium at 5pm in the presence of various Senior BJP leaders where the highlight will be musical presentation of devotional songs (Bhajans) by famous singer Padam Shri Anup Jalota.
 
Shri Goel said, “Atalji has been the most popular and dear leader in the history of Independent India. He is not only a political figure but is also a poet, writer, author, an able administrator and a sensitive individual. He has received much appreciation and love from spheres other than politics and society.”
 
Summing up the sentiments of 125cr Indians Shri Goel said, “India’s dear Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee should be awarded with Bharat Ratna this time.
 
Shri Goel also informed that this time on his birthday several organizations, ngos will be organizing blood donation camps and will distribute fruits in hospitals.

Through a series of questions, Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel sought information from the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports on corruption in Commonwealth Games of 2010. Through a written reply, Shri Goel was informed that:
 
The Central Investigating Agency i.e. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has informed that 33 cases (19 Regular Cases and 14 Preliminary Enquires cases) have been registered against various persons/entities related to Commonwealth Games, 2010. The cases are against various officers of Organizing Committee, Commonwealth Games – 2010, NDMC, CPWD, DDA, PWD, MCD, MTNL and some other entities. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has registered 70 cases regarding irregularities in tendering process, financial irregularities and embezzlement etc. against various officials/entities related to CWG-2010.
 
The cases are at various stages of investigation and will reach their logical conclusion as per due process of law. The previous Government, immediately after the completion of the Games, constituted a High Level Committee (HLC) headed by Shri V.K. Shunglu to look into various issues related the organizing and conduct of the CWG, 2010, including weaknesses in management, alleged misappropriation, irregularities, wasteful expenditure and wrongdoing, and lessons to be learnt for the future.
 
The High Level Committee (HLC) on Commonwealth Games 2010 gave six reports, between 29th January to 28th March’11. Subsequently, the Government constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) on 2nd August, 2011 to consider the views expressed by various Ministries/Departments on the findings and recommendations of the HLC. In pursuance of the decision of the said GoM copies of the Reports of the HLC as they relate to this Ministry together with the related comments/views on these reports have been forwarded to the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Central Vigilance Commission in the context of the on-going investigations.

Through a series of questions in the parliament, Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel today sought information on the growing tourism industry in India and the steps being taken by the Government to promote it, globally.
 
The Minister replied that it is true that the Tourism Industry has seen a significant growth in the past three years and has grown from 4.3 % in 2012 to 7.1% from January – November 2014.
 
The Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled with the Electronic Travel Authorization Scheme which was launched on November 27, 2014 for national of 43 countries will help prospective visitors to apply for a VISA on arrival online without visiting the Indian High Commission.
 
On December 4th, the government lifted restriction of two-month gap on re-entry of foreign nationals coming to India on Tourist Visa and Visa on Arrival.
 
Shri Vijay Goel was also provided the information on measures taken by the Ministry to ensure safety of foreign women tourist. The Ministry of Tourism has advised the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations to setup Tourist Police at prominent tourist spots as a result of which many states have taken necessary action in this regard.
 
Further to this, Clean India Campaign and periodic linguistic training of guides will help the industry overcome barriers of cleanliness and hygiene and lack of trained language speaking guides.

Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel called upon Shri Najeeb Jung led Delhi administration to step up and make necessary arrangements for night shelters for Delhi’s homeless.
 
In a letter to LG, Shri Goel wrote that the condition of night shelters across the city is worrisome. There more than 1 Lakh homeless people and the inadequate number of night shelters with no proper arrangement of electricity and water in many of these shelters.
 
Shri Goel said, “With the onset of winters, the temperature continues to dip and with lack of shelters across the national capital, people are forced to spend their night on roads in such harsh weather conditions.”
 
Recently a Non-Government Organization had reported that Delhi recorded 163 homeless deaths in the month of November which could be attributed to the prevailing winter conditions, lack of food, shelter and adequate clothing, and associated health problems and addiction.
 
Shri Goel said, “The night shelters should have basic facilities for a comfortable stay for its inmates and it should ensure that the floors should be even and have carpets. LG should immediately intervene and issue necessary orders in this regard.”
 
“On the 2nd anniversary of Nirbhaya Diwas, I pay homage to victim of gruesome incident of December 16th, 2012 and call for speedy rape trials in fast track courts which have recently hit a roadblock”, said Goel.
 
He said, “Fast track courts have been setup to expedite trials in cases of sexual offense. Shortage of judges, public prosecutors and overload of work in these courts can be blamed for this roadblock and this issue needs to be addressed at the earliest possible.”

World Famous Fashion Designer Ritu Beri and Women Cricket Legend Anjum Chopra today participated in ‘Cleanliness Drive’ with Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel at Ajmeri Gate Chowk and in the adjoining market. He has nominated 9 eminent personalities who will participate in such drives in days to come.
 
On this occasion Designer Ritu Beri said, “Cleanliness and hygiene is a very important aspect which needs to be taken up by every individual and I am very happy to be a part of this great initiative. We all must come together and do our bit to make Delhi, a world class city. I will definitely take this up in my locality.”
 
“It’s an honour to be a part of Clean India Campaign. On the Cricket Ground, I loved the sweep shot but I hope this sweeping shot at Ajmeri Gate Chowk inspires all of us to understand the important of keeping our surroundings clean”, said Cricketer Anjum Chopra. She also hoped to inspire other people to take up cleanliness in whichever way they can.
 
Shri Goel said, “Having public figures from all walks of life, as a part of this initiative will help intensify this Clean India Movement. Regular awareness and cleanliness drive will send a positive message amongst general public.”
 
Shri Goel was accompanied by BJP Delhi Vice President Shri Jai Prakash and District President Shri Suman Gupta, who also participated in this cleanliness drive.
 
Municipal Corporations and other civic agencies need to be more proactive in maintaining cleanliness in areas. RWAs should ensure that dustbins be put at every nook in corner with support from MCD to ensure that people don’t litter on roads in their colonies.
 
 
 
Vijay Goel Nominated The Following Public Figures for ‘Swacchta Abhiyaan’
 
1.         Ritu Beri – World Famous Fashion Designer
2.         Anjum Chopra – Women Cricket Legend
3.         Vijender Singh – Indian Olympic Boxer
4.         Sudhir Kumar Gautam – Painted man, Sachin Tendulkar Fan
5.         Shammi Narang – Voice of Delhi Metro
6.         Prof K.K Aggarwal – Founder VC, IP University
7.         Shovana Narayan – Kathak Danseuse
8.         Surender Sharma – Comic Poet
9.         Umesh Sehgal – Former Chief Secretary of Delhi
 
 
Shri Goel added that we need to make Clean India Movement a mass movement and for this, any volunteer organization, NGO or RWA willing to organize any for such initiative can get in touch with me. With support and cooperation of all, we will definitely fulfill the dream of Swacch Bharat.  

Rajya Sabha MP & Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel today nominated 9 celebrities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. He nominated Ritu Beri, Sudhir Kumar Gautam, Anjum Chopra, Shri Vijender Singh, Shri Shammi Naran, Prof K.K Aggarwal, Shovana Narayan, Umesh Sehgal & Surender Sharma.
 
Tomorrow December 3, 2014 Ritu Beri and Anjum Chopra will lead cleanliness drive at Ajmeri Gate Chowk. Ritu Beri has previously participated in many programmes initiated by Shri Goel like MCD School Sudhar Yojana and tree plantation drives etc
 
Rajya Sabha MP and Delhi Incharge Shri Prabhat Jha, BJP Delhi President Shri Satishh Upadhyay, Women Cricket Legend Smt Anjum Chopra will also participate in this cleanliness drive.
 
Shri Goel added that this movement needs to intensify and having celebrities participating and endorsing such an initiative will send an impactful message to common man. 
 
Celebrities nominated by Shri Vijay Goel for 'Swacch Bharat Abhiyan'
 
Ritu Beri – World Famous Fashion Designer
Anjum Chopra – Women Cricket Legend
Vijender Singh – Indian Olympic Boxer
Sudhir Kumar Gautam – Painted man, Sachin Tendulkar Fan
Shammi Narang – Voice of Delhi Metro
Prof K.K Aggarwal – Founder VC, IP University
Shovana Narayan – Kathak Danseuse
Surender Sharma – Comic PoetUmesh Sehgal – Former Chief Secretary of Delhi 

Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel today met Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Najeeb Jung regarding problems concerning JJ colonies in Delhi.

Shri Goel told LG that recently he visited JJ colonies across Delhi and interacted with local residents. He urged LG to immediately consider resolving problems being faced by them like
DISCOMs refuse to install electricity meters in households where there is no kitchen or bathroom. Hence, if 3 – 4 families have to share meters, the inflated electricity bills becomes a huge burden for them and are unable to benefit from the 200 unit subsidy they are entitled. Therefore, this facility should be merged with ration cards for installation of meters.

New ration cards are not being issued whereas the distributers are not giving away ration saying that only new ration card holders can be given commodities.
People in JJ colonies have to rely on tankers for supply of water and sometimes have to purchase 35 litres of water cans at a price of 15 – 20 Rs.

Shri Goel raised the issue of corruption in issuance of SC and ST certificates. General Public is facing problems in obtaining these certificates whereas on being paid a heavy amount brokers are easily getting these certificates made.

Municipal corporations have built schools. However, there are 60 – 100 children in every classroom which affects the quality of education being given to these children.

There is a problem of rampant illegal construction in unauthorized colonies. Builders end up constructing flats 5 floors each whereas common man is being troubled for making one room.

Shri Goel said, “Will visit JJ colonies across Delhi and will raise their problems in the Parliament and outside.

LG Shri Najeeb Jung assured Shri Goel that he will immediately lay his focus on these problems.

Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel today inaugurated the International Toilet Festival at Central Park, Connaught Place.

The festival being organized by Sulabh International aims to create awareness about the importance of toilet. The highlight of the opening ceremony was the convergence of 1,000 students from six countries forming a human chain and Walkathon carrying toilet pot on their head as part of pledge for "Toilet for All by 2019".

Shri Goel said, “Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and his team at Sulabh International have done commendable work in the field of health and sanitation and have impacted the lives of millions of people, efforts of such noble people and organizations will help us achieve our dream of Clean India.”

On this occasion Shri Vijay Goel said, “It is shocking to know that close to 48% of India’s urban population and about 60% of rural population has no access to toilets which means that more than 620 million people in India defecate in the open.”

“One of the important aspects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swacch Bharat Abhiyan is toilet for every household by 2019. By this method, we not only prevent open defecation but will prevent exposure to fecal matter is a leading cause of diarrhea, which kills 600,000 people in the country each year, a third of them children”, said Goel.

Shri Goel said, “For the financial year 2014 – 15, companies are expected to collectively pump in as much as Rs 14000 crore for CSR. Companies can be a part of this endeavour by building toilets for girls in government school.”

Shri Goel said, “I recently visited Taseeng village in Behror district of Rajasthan for village adoption under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. It was appalling to see that in a village of 500 households; only 10% of them have access to toilets in their homes.

To support this endeavour, water supply and waste management, sewage treatment and building proper drainage systems also needs to be strengthened for successful implementation of this initiative.