Committee should review Centre, state control over DMRC: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday told the central government that an expert committee should review the "nature and extent of control exercised by the Central and Delhi governments over the functioning of DMRC".

Kejriwal was replying to a letter by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in which Puri had agreed to set up an expert committee to look into the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

The letter comes close on the heels of the city metro fare hike on October 10, the second increase this year, despite strong opposition from the Delhi government.

The DMRC was formed in 1995 with equal equity participation of the central and the state government.

"I'm glad that you have agreed to set up an expert committee as suggested in your letter of 12th of October," Kejriwal said in the letter dated Tuesday.

"As far as the terms of reference are concerned, the Committee should be asked to examine and make recommendations relating to the organisation, management, control and accountability of DMRC," he said.

The Chief Minister said the central government can recommend one or two members for the committee and the Delhi government will recommend an equal number.

"The committee members can then choose an eminent and independent person to be the Chairman of the Committee," he said.

--IANS

nkh/him/bg