AAP for cancelling licences of power firms not allowing audit

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government Monday favoured cancellation of licences of those power companies not willing to cooperate with the audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

Spelling out the government's programmes and policies, Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, in his address to the Delhi assembly, said: "A CAG audit of the electricity companies in the national capital from the time of privatisation shall be carried out. Government is willing to even consider cancellation of the licences of the companies that do not cooperate in the conduct of the audit."

"Government cannot and shall not be a silent bystander. It shall be ensured the companies have not and do not indulge in flagrant violations of financial norms," he added.

Alleging fudging of the account books by the power distribution companies to show losses as a pretext to hike tariff, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Jan 1 ordered a CAG audit of the three power distribution companies - BSES Yamuna Power Ltd., BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd.

Jung, in his speech, said the AAP's government will also get the electricity meters checked if there have been complaints of those running fast.

He reiterated his government's stand against VIP culture.

"Government will put an end to all symbols of privilege and power that distance the citizen from the government. No minister or MLA will use a red beacon on their cars. Special security will be avoided.

"We intend to take all steps to end corruption in government departments. Passing the version of the Lokpal Bill for which Anna Hazare had to undertake a fast will be a priority for the government," said Jung.

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011, was passed Dec 18, 2013 in the Lok Sabha after amendments to the legislation were adopted by the Rajya Sabha a day earlier.