A hands-on governor keeps Delhi administration on toes

He is far removed from the image of a titular head. Ever since the elected AAP government suddenly quit office two and a half months ago, Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung has not just been keeping Delhi running but ensured that the notoriously slothful and callous administrative and municipal machinery stays on its toes and delivers to the capital's citizens.

Jung, who has been at the helm in Delhi since Feb 17 when President's Rule came into force in the capital territory, five days after AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced the resignation of his government, has already visited at least 12 schools, colleges and hospitals run by the Delhi government.

When a fire broke out in a large shanytown at Vasant Kunj, Jung was one of the first to reach and it was because of him that otherwise indifferent officials went scurrying to provide relief to the thousands of uprooted families who had lost all their belongings in the blaze.

Officials said the LG has held around eight inter-departmental meetings where all the different department heads from Delhi's different agencies were present.

In fact, May 1, on his instructions, a team comprising senior government and police officials conducted raids in the capital on fair price shops, five zonal offices of transport departments, 16 petrol pumps, five schools and wholesale markets of drugs and medicines. The raids were conducted to check the functioning of these departments.

Jung, former vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, held his first meeting Feb 21 with Delhi officials to review the work of the public grievance helpline launched by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which lasted only 49 days. Jung was sworn in Delhi Lt. Governor in July last year, succeeding Tejinder Khanna.

After every visit to a school, college or hospital, Jung would issue several instructions to the authorities for improving the facilities, for better responsiveness to the public needs and for maintenance of proper hygiene and sanitation, officials told IANS.

After his first visit to the Delhi Secretariat, the LG made it mandatory for the department heads to meet the public every day at a fixed time - between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., officials said.

He also issued instructions to the primary, secondary and senior schools to provide cleaner toilets and proper door locks for toilets, especially in girls schools. CCTV cameras were ordered to be installed where the midday meals are prepared.

Another official told IANS that Jung also issued orders to launch a massive drive against the sale of underweight LPG cylinders. He asked officers of the Delhi Jal Board to formulate steps for regulating supply of drinking water in the summer season, when water becomes scarce, and set up a 24-hour control room.

On April 30, Jung instructed all deputy commissioners to submit fortnightly reports to him, to be reviewed on a regular basis.

An official from the LG office, who did not wish to be named, said Jung is constantly working and planning schemes that could make people's lives a little better.

"LG is the first one to reach office and the last to leave. His commitment to work and his energy are truly infectious and prepare all of us to work harder," the officer, who works in the LG's office, told IANS, but did not wish to be named.

Delhi government officials say they are happy to work under the LG and do not feel that the lack of an elected government has in any way hampered their functioning.

"We are bound to perform as per rule, whether there is a government or not. Every official is working very well," a senior official who did not wish to be named added.

During President's Rule, the state governor has to oversee the bureaucracy. The governor has the power to take decisions and issue orders during the period.