Ranchi: The ‘chai pe charcha’, the public debates and the manifestos for the ensuing civic body polls in Ranchi aren’t just revolving around the necessities like sadak (road), naala (drain), pani (water) and bijli (electricity). This time, both candidates and electorates are pushing beyond the basic infrastructure by pitching in ideas rooted in dignity, safety and everyday survival activities. A reality check of the ward-level manifestos reveals that they reflect real urban issues rather than routine civic issues.People-centric agendas, ranging from free marriage halls and mohalla clinics to women’s safety patrols and youth platforms, are emerging narratives that signal a broader approach to people’s welfare.
BJP-backed mayoral candidate Roshni Khalkho, who is contesting on the biscuit symbol, has pitched an administrative overhaul aimed at easing citizen access to civic services. She said if elected, every ward would have a modern civic karyalaya (office) to initiate public work and resolve complaints locally.“People should not have to stand in queues at the Ranchi Municipal Corporation for days. Ward offices will process civic applications and services at the local level,” she promised.Roshni also stressed women’s safety, proposing regular patrolling by women police personnel, particularly in areas frequented by girl students and young women who have come to Ranchi from other districts and states for their education. On sustainability, she promised to introduce rainwater harvesting facilities in residential apartments and major commercial zones. “Housing under the PM Awas Yojana will be prioritised for residents displaced by eviction drives,” she added.At the ward level, candidates are raising sharply localised social concerns. Ward No. 29 candidate Sunil Yadav, contesting on the cycle pump symbol, announced free marriage halls for the economically weaker families.“Today, even a basic banquet hall costs around Rs 2.5 lakh. We will provide marriage halls and water facilities free of cost for poor girls in the ward,” he said. His manifesto also included a community library for young children, supported by local youth volunteers and free tailoring workshops to help women generate livelihoods.Ward No. 25 candidate Diksha Singh, contesting on the bread symbol, highlighted the need for accessible primary healthcare. She proposed mohalla clinics equipped with essential medicines for basic medical emergencies. “Youth engagement is equally important. We plan regular community meets where young people can collectively suggest solutions for ward-level problems,” she said.Meanwhile, Congress-backed mayoral candidate Rama Khalkho, contesting on a bench symbol, has focused on core civic issues, promising a clean, planned, fear-free and pollution-free capital. Her manifesto emphasises improved water supply, sanitation and drainage, along with a single-window system at the municipal corporation to streamline services for citizens, traders and entrepreneurs.
