Page 45 - Delhi Government

Alipur fire: Delhi CM announces ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for kin of deceased

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the kin of those killed in the fire in a paints factory in Alipur here that left 11 people dead. The chief minister also visited the site to take stock of the situation in the aftermath of the blaze that broke out on Thursday evening. "We have full sympathy for the families of the deceased. We will provide a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the kin of the deceased. Two people have sustained minor injuries and they will be awarded a compensation of Rs 20,000 each and those with major injuries will be awarded a compensation of Rs two lakh each," he told reporters. He said those whose nearby shops and houses were affected due to the fire will be awarded compensation in line with the government's policy. The chief minister said there are allegations that there was delay in the arrival of fire tenders to the spot. "I will issue instructions for inquiry into the alleged delay in the arrival o

Protesting farmers stay put at Punjab-Haryana borders for heading to Delhi

Scores of farmers from Punjab continued to stay put at the two borders of the state and Haryana on Wednesday while security personnel fired some tear gas shells on the protesters at the Shambhu border near Ambala. As the peasants gather there to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' protest, farmer leaders will first hold a meeting before moving ahead with their plan to break multi-layered barricades at the Shambhu border in an attempt to march towards Delhi. With the farmers from several places in Punjab continuing to pour in to participate in the 'Delhi Chalo' march, a large number of tractor-trolleys could be seen parked along the national highway on the Punjab side. The protesting farmers from Punjab plan to make a fresh attempt to break past the multiple layers of barricades at the border with Haryana. The Haryana security personnel lobbed a few tear gas shells on Wednesday morning after some farmers gathered near the barricades at the Shambhu border, the protesters claimed. While the .

Delhi HC to decide cases concerning HIV positive individuals on priority

The Delhi High Court will take up and dispose of on priority basis the legal proceedings concerning an HIV positive person whose anonymity and confidentiality shall be strictly maintained. The practice directions' have been issued by the high court, on its administrative side, in compliance with the directions passed by the Supreme Court in a judgment on September 26, 2023. In compliance of the directions passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in judgment dated September 26, 2023 in , Hon'ble the Acting Chief Justice has been pleased to issue following directions for compliance by all concerned. In any legal proceeding concerning or relating to an HIV-positive person, the courts shall take up and dispose of the proceeding on priority basis in terms of Section 34(2) of the HIV (Prevention and Control) ACT 2017, the practice directions issued through Delhi High Court Registrar General Kanwaljeet Arora on February 7 said. It further said that courts shall also ensure that the anonymity a

350 e-buses launched: CM Kejriwal says Delhi has highest such buses

Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Wednesday flagged off 350 electric buses here. With the new buses, the number of electric buses in the DTC fleet has risen to 1650. Talking to reporters after the flag-off Saxena said, "These buses will contribute in a huge way in combating pollution. I am hopeful that we will be able to stop the pollution with these steps." Kejriwal said with the addition of these 350 buses, Delhi has become the first city in the country to have such a high number of electric buses. "Today, 350 buses have been flagged and now there are 1650 electric buses plying on the roads. Delhi is the first city in the country to have the maximum number of electric buses. This will definitely control pollution. Our effort is to phase out CNG buses," he added.

Delhi borders remain under tight security as farmers determined to march

With protesting farmers seeking to march to the national capital, security remained tight on Wednesday with personnel deployed in huge numbers and barricades regulating movement in central Delhi and at border points with Haryana, which can cause hardships to commuters. The traffic movement at Singhu (Delhi-Sonipat) and Tikri borders (Delhi-Bahadurgarh) is suspended, an official said, adding the security personnel in anti-riot gear are deployed and drones being used to keep an eye on the situation. Multiple layers of barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails and container walls have been placed at Singhu and Tikri borders as well as Ghazipur border. An official said the security arrangements at border points and in central Delhi could be increased if required. With massive security arrangements at the three border points, commuters may again face difficulties in reaching their destination. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the "De

Delhi march: Farmers attempt to breach barricades, teargas shells fired

The Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border witnessed chaotic scenes on Tuesday as the protesting farmers marching towards Delhi attempted to break police barricades

Delhi govt rejects Centre's proposal to convert Bawana stadium into jail

The Delhi government has rejected the Centre's proposal to convert Bawana stadium into a makeshift jail in view of the farmers' march to the national capital on Tuesday, officials said. Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot wrote to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar denying permission and expressed solidarity with the farmers' march, they added. "The demands of the farmers are genuine. Secondly, it is the constitutional right of every citizen to make a peaceful protest. It is therefore, incorrect to arrest the farmers" Gahlot's letter to Kumar read. "The Central Government, infact, should invite them over for talks and try to find a solution of their genuine problems. Farmers of the country are our 'annadata' and treating them in this way by arresting them would be like rubbing salt into their wounds. We cannot be a party to this decision of the Central government," Gahlot added. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha begun marching towards Delhi on Tuesday

Kejriwal used Delhi govt funds to book expensive hotel suites: Shazia Ilmi

BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi on Monday alleged that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal used Delhi government's funds to book presidential suites in hotels in other states. At a press conference, Ilmi alleged that Kejriwal stayed in the most expensive rooms in five-star hotels in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab and Karnataka. "Presidential, Maharaja, Imperial suites, which cost around Rs 2-3 lakh per night, were booked for Delhi chief minister," she claimed. "In Punjab, they have the AAP government, so they can stay in the state guest house but he (Kejriwal) stayed in five-star hotels," she added. The BJP leader claimed that on an average, around Rs. 1.5 crore is spent in 50 days for the chief minister's stay arrangements in hotels, adding, "This is the money that belongs to the people of Delhi." Commenting on Congress' announcement that its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will be cut short in Uttar Pradesh in view of board exams, Ilmi said, "If you talk about Nyay Yatra, how impactful has it been

Highlights of the day Mizoram CM to present state budget on Feb 27

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HC directs Delhi govt to pay Rs 50,000 ex-gratia to kin of Covid-19 victim

The Delhi High Court has directed the city government to pay Rs 50,000 ex gratia to the kin of a man who had contracted coronavirus and died due to COVID-19 complications. The high court refused to accept the state's submission the cause of the death was a cardiac arrest and the man passed away a month after a positive RT-PCR report and was, therefore, not entitled to a compensation under the Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojana (MCPASY). The court noted the hospital's death summary that the petitioner's husband contracted COVID-19 and was admitted and remained at the hospital till his death on June 19, 2021. "The death summary categorically points out that the man had contracted COVID-19, and suffered aftereffects of COVID-19, never improved and ultimately passed away on June 19, 2021. Just because the ultimate cause of death is shown to be cardiac arrest does not mean that the husband of the petitioner did not pass away due to the complications arising out of ...

Locals complain of 'gas leak', eye irritation in parts of north, east Delhi

Panic gripped some parts of north and east Delhi when locals and commuters complained of eye irritation and suffocation on Saturday evening, officials said. Calls were made to the fire department about a "gas leak", but officials could not confirm finding any suspicious gas. Delhi Police said anti-riots mock drill exercise was conducted at Yamuna Khadar, which falls between some parts of east and north Delhi. An officer said it appeared that the smoke due to tear gas shell might have been behind the incident, but added that it was not yet verified. Sources said that Delhi Police has been preparing for a potential farmers agitation intended to be held on February 13. According to officials of Delhi Fire Service (DFS), a call of gas leak was received at 6.30 pm from near Geeta Colony flyover. Two fire tenders reached the spot and tried to locate the suspicious gas they could not find it. Farmer groups have announced a 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13 to press the Centre for acce

AAP govt to bring one-time settlement scheme for faulty water bills: Atishi

If the problem of faulty meters or bills exceeds five years then the bill will be re-casted on the basis of consumption pattern of the neighborhood of the consumer

Last chance to pay salaries, pension to staff or will wind up MCD: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Friday gave a last opportunity to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to set its house in order by augmenting resources and paying arrears of salaries and pension to employees or else it will wind up the civic body. The high court said the matter relating to non-payment of salaries to staff and retired employees is dragging on for long and added that it was the civic agency's statutory obligation to pay employees in accordance with the 7th Pay Commission. "The court has made it clear to the MCD counsel that it is not going to wait for the MCD to find ways and means of augmenting its resources. The liability to pay the 7th Pay Commission wages is a statutory obligation. If the MCD is not in a position to pay the basic wages then consequences will follow," a bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora said. The court was hearing a batch of pleas relating to the non-payment of salaries and pensions to MCD employees and retired staff

Pension amount of retired DTC employees has been deposited: CM Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced that the pension amount of retired DTC employees, pending for nearly one-and-a-half years, has been deposited in their accounts. The move is likely to impact over 20,000 retired employees of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). The chief minister acknowledged that the pensioners were experiencing problems in getting their pension. "I know you are angry with me. You have been facing problems in getting your pension for the last one and one-and-a-half years. After we came to power in 2015, we had started giving pension from government budget," Kejriwal said in a video message on X. "You were facing problems . You know that Centre has been putting hurdles in our work. But somehow, I am getting your work done," he said in the video. Kejriwal said the pending dues were deposited in the account by Thursday. He noted that there was a shortage of budget for paying the pension but the government held a special assembly session to

DMRC announces Rs 25 lakh for family of deceased in Gokulpuri incident

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Thursday announced Rs 15 lakh in compensation for the family of 53-year-old man who died after a portion of the Gokulpuri Metro Station on the Pink Line in northeast Delhi collapsed, official statement said. The DMRC announced Rs 2.5 lakh for the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who received minor injuries, it stated. The transporters also suspended two of its officials over the collapse. "Two DMRC officials, a manager and a junior engineer from the civil department, have been immediately suspended," the statement read. The DMRC will be investigating the circumstances leading to this incident to take necessary remedial measures to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future, it said.

Centre waging war against opposition govt: Arvind Kejriwal at Jantar Mantar

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday hit out at the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of waging a war against state governments led by opposition parties. Leaders and lawmakers from the Left Democratic Front of Kerala, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, staged a protest against the Union government at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Thursday. Kejriwal participated in the protest. "Opposition parties represent 70 crore people in the country. The BJP has waged a war against the opposition-ruled states. The Centre is using all the tactics to harass the opposition governments," Kejriwal said at the protest. He added, "It is depriving them of valid funds, obstructs work through Governors and LGs. They are also harassing them by using central agencies to arrest opposition leaders." He said the protesters were not "here to beg or ask for anything for our families." "I have come here to ask for the right of 2 crore people. If you do not give us funds how will we build roads, provide .

Court grants exemption to Kejriwal from personal appearance for day

A court here on Wednesday granted exemption to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from personal appearance for the day in a criminal defamation case for retweeting an allegedly defamatory video circulated by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in May 2018. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Tanya Bamniyal allowed the exemption plea moved by Kejriwal's counsel and directed him to appear before the court on February 29. The plea claimed that the chief minister was busy with "budget sessions". The Delhi High Court on February 5 had upheld the summons issued to Kejriwal by the trial court as an accused, saying that reposting alleged libelous content will attract the defamation law. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had said that a sense of responsibility has to be attached while retweeting content about which one does not have knowledge. Retweeting of defamatory content must invite penal, civil as well as tort action if the person retweeting it does not attach a disclaimer, the high court had ...

Delhi liquor excise policy: Court summons CM Kejriwal for hearing on Feb 17

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal faces legal action for failure to adhere to Enforcement Directorate summons related to alleged money laundering

Delhi excise case: Court to pass order on ED's plea against Arvind Kejriwal

A Delhi court is likely to pronounce at 4 PM on Wednesday its order on a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over non-compliance of summons in the alleged excise policy money laundering case. "I am posting the matter for order at 4 PM," Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra said. The judge reserved the order after the ED submitted that it has concluded the arguments in the matter. The ED had on February 3 filed a fresh complaint case against Kejriwal for non-compliance of its summons. Kejriwal on Friday last skipped the fifth summons, which the ED issued to him on Wednesday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor had earlier written a letter to the ED, terming the summonses as "illegal and politically motivated". He alleged they were aimed at preventing him from campaigning in elections.

10 million availed 'Aam Aadmi Clinic' services: Punjab health minister

More than one crore people have availed treatment at 'aam aadmi clinics' in Punjab, State Health Minister Balbir Singh said on Tuesday. There are 664 'aam aadmi clinics' --? 236 in urban areas and 428 in rural areas -- ?in the state. These provide free of cost treatment, offering 80 types of free medicines and 38 types of free diagnostics tests. "Over one crore people in the state have availed free treatment from these 'aam aadmi clinics' in the last one and half years," Singh said in a statement. At a virtual meeting with civil surgeons, deputy medical superintendents and senior medical officers to review ongoing projects, he also noted that all the clinics are IT-enabled with end-to-end digitisation of registration, doctor consultation, investigations and prescriptions. The state government has already rolled out the 'Farishtey' scheme under which free treatment is being provided to all road accident victims, irrespective of their nationality, caste or socio-economic status, he .