Give in writing about your discussions with bureaucrats: Goel to Jain

Miffed with non-receipt of replies to questions from bureaucrats, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel today asked Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain to give detailed comments in writing about his discussions with officers concerned by August 8.

The speaker's remarks came after several Aam Aadmi Party legislators complained to him that officers of the Urban Development department have not provided replies to questions pertaining to municipal corporations.

During Question Hour on the second day of Monsoon session of the Delhi Assembly, Jain alleged that in spite of his directions, the principal secretary did not provide factual and complete information to the questions asked by the MLAs.

"As already directed by me, such questions for which reply is not received within the prescribed time, stand referred to the Privileges Committee.

"I request the minister to give his detailed comments in writing about his discussions with the concerned officers regarding these questions by August 10, 2018," Goel said in his written direction.

He also directed the Privileges Committee of the House to examine this issue on priority keeping in view the fact that the "dignity and privilege of the House is at stake".

During the Budget Session in March this year, Goel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, cabinet ministers and AAP MLAs wore black bands in protest against the Centre's communication to the Speaker, asking him not to admit any question raised by legislators in the House on reserved subjects.