)
On its first day in office, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government sought to reach out to low-income groups with a slew of measures, including halting the demolition of slum clusters till further review. Departments were also directed to carry out the AAP’s election promise of slashing electricity rates and supplying free water to Delhi citizens.
These decisions were taken at the first Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday. It was also decided that the first Assembly session would be on February 23-24 for swearing in the members of the legislative Assembly (MLAs), Speaker, and Deputy Speaker of the House.
The Cabinet decided to review demolition in slums and residential areas carried out by various agencies in the national capital. This comes a day after there were protests by slum residents outside Kejriwal’s Kaushambi residence on Sunday.
The Delhi government said in a press statement that it “has issued directions” to several agencies — New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), all the three municipal corporations, Delhi Jal Board and other departments such as environment and forests — “not to carry out any demolition till this review is completed”. It, however, added this would not apply to any demolition being carried out to comply with court orders.
“In case any demolition has already been planned or is in the pipeline, the agency concerned shall seek prior approval of the urban development minister,” the government stated.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijender Gupta, however, said the Delhi government did not have the authority to pass such an order. “The Delhi government does not even have power or jurisdiction to pass such an order. Elections (are) over, but AAP's politics continues,” Gupta said on Twitter.
However, according to former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta, the Delhi government can issue such directives as an interim measure. “The government has every right to review the policies, but within a definite time-frame. Within the time limit, it can ask the authorities not to take any action.”
Another former chief secretary said though it was within the purview of the government to review policy, “a complete halt on demolition sets a bad precedent for these local authorities that have to carry out their duty”.
Kejriwal also ordered the finance and power departments to “immediately send their proposals” to slash electricity rates by 50 per cent till completion of Comptroller and Auditor General audits and also, providing free water supply up to 20,000 litres for every household per month.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had indirectly criticised Kejriwal, saying it is states that don’t have own electricity generation that promise free electricity. The AAP has promised reducing the electricity rates by half for the lowest slab of consumers, those who consume less than 400 units a month.
There were unconfirmed news reports that the AAP also held discussion on enhancing women’s security. In its manifesto, the AAP had promised deputing of home guards in city buses.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured “full cooperation” of the Delhi police, which is under the administrative control of the Centre, to the new Delhi government.
On Monday, the doors of the Delhi Secretariat were open to citizens who came with their queries and grievances. The CM’s helpline desk was active as a dozen volunteers were seen addressing grievances of various citizens.
The first formal press briefing of the Delhi government which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, was called off after confusion over media’s entry in the Delhi Secretariat, especially as many reporters were not allowed to enter the premises on Monday. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was scheduled to address a press conference at 5 pm on Monday. However, following a ruckus at his arrival, the press conference was called off. The Delhi government later sent out a press statement to inform about the decisions of the Cabinet meeting.
DELHI GOVT REACHES OUT
-
Calls for a policy review on slum, residential demolition
-
Halts such demolition till further review
-
Directs power and finance departments to send proposals on slashing power rates, supplying free water
-
Discusses issue of women’s safety
- Calls first Assembly session on Feb 23-24 for swearing in of the MLAs and Speaker/Deputy Speaker
