Page 47 - Delhi Government

Delay in fund disbursal halted all works of Delhi Jal Board: Somnath Bharti

Delhi Jal Board vice-chairman Somnath Bharti Friday said all maintenance and developmental works of DJB have "come to a standstill" due to the delay in disbursal of funds from the finance secretary. In an interview with PTI, he said that since maintenance work happens every day and DJB contractors have gone on strike due to non-payment of dues, the work of the jal board has been "suffering". The Delhi Jal Board contractors association has been on strike since November 27 over non-payment of dues, with its general secretary Vinay Mangla claiming that around 1,150 contractors have halted their work until payments are made to everyone. Bharti said, "Multiple projects are underway and contractors haven't been paid since February. Maintenance work, including cleaning of contamination, and repairing or replacing pipelines, happens every other day in Delhi. All maintenance and developmental works of DJB have come to a standstill due to delay in disbursal of funds." He said that as a plea

Delhi govt report shows decline in sex ratio, rise in birth rate in 2022

The sex ratio in the national capital dropped to 929 in 2022 from 932 a year back, according to a report published by the Delhi government. The 'Annual report on registration of births and deaths in Delhi, 2022' showed that the birth rate in Delhi increased to 14.24 per thousand of population during 2022 from 13.13 in 2021. The death rate declined to 6.07 per cent in 2022 from 8.28 per cent in 2021. It also revealed a significant jump in the average number of births per day in Delhi i.e. up from 745 in 2021 to 823 in 2022. The sex ratio declined to 929 per thousand males in 2022 from 932 in 2021, the report said. The report said 1,55,670 (51.83 per cent) of the total births registered were males and 1,44,581 (48.14 per cent) were females and 99 (0.03 per cent) belonged to the "others" category. Out of the total births, 2,82,389 (94.02 per cent) were institutional -- 1,86,905 (66.19 per cent) of them in government hospitals -- and 17,961 (5.98 per cent) were domiciliary in nature.

Winter vacation in Delhi schools reduced to 6 days, to begin from Jan 1

Winter vacation in Delhi schools has been reduced from 15 to six days and will begin from January 1, 2024, a circular from the Directorate of Education said on Wednesday. Winter vacation for the academic session 2023-24 was scheduled to take place from January 1 to January 15. "However, in order to ensure that our students are not adversely affected due to the poor air quality in Delhi, a portion of winter Vacation was observed from November 9 to November 18," the circular read. The remaining portion of the winter vacation for academic session 2023-2024 is scheduled to be observed from January 1 to January 6, 2024. "All the Heads of Schools of Delhi are hereby directed to disseminate this information among all the stakeholders including the teaching/non-teaching staff, students and parents," the DoE said.

Kejriwal to meet rat-hole miners from Delhi who saved 41 tunnel workers

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will meet the rat-hole mining experts from Delhi who participated in the operation to rescue the 41 workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel, officials said on Friday. The workers got trapped inside the tunnel in Uttarakhand after a portion of it collapsed. They were rescued on Tuesday following 17 days of a multi-agency operation. The 12-member team of rat-hole mining experts were called to do the drilling after an American auger machine came across hurdles while clearing the rubble. According to officials, some of them are involved in laying sewer lines and pipelines for the Delhi Jal Board. "Kejriwal will meet them later in the day," an official said. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat holes", as each just about fits one person. At the Silkyara tunnel, the 12 experts were called by Trenchless Engineering Services Pvt Ltd and

China illness surge: Multiplex PCR tests to begin at 2 Delhi govt hospitals

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday said multiplex PCR tests will be started at two government hospitals to detect any new pathogens and asserted that there was no need to panic, amid a surge in respiratory illness in children in northern China. Bharadwaj held a meeting earlier in the day to review the preparedness of hospitals and also directed that an anti-viral drug for children that is administered in such cases should be procured. Talking to PTI Video, he said, "Following the Centre's advisory, we held a meeting with the Delhi government experts, including pulmonologists, pediatric pulmonologists who have been seeing the situation. Till now no new pathogens have been detected. But as a precautionary measure, pediatric departments have been directed to run broad spectrum tests on children admitted with symptoms to detect any new pathogens." Later in a post on X, he said that multiplex PCR tests will be started in Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital and Chacha

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We're on high alert, says Delhi health min on pneumonia outbreak in China

In view of recent reports of a surge in respiratory illnesses in children in northern China, health departments in States and Union territories across the country have been put on alert

Delhi govt notifies motor vehicle scheme, surge pricing not dealt with

The AAP government has notified the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme 2023, paving the way for electric-only bike taxis to ply in the national capital and targeting a transition to electric mobility by 2030, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said on Wednesday. Gahlot said that as of now the government has not dealt with the issue of "surge pricing" imposed by the app-based cab aggregators but if complaints are received from people, rules will be framed. Addressing a press conference, the minister said it is for the first time in India that aggregator guidelines have also defined phase-wise electrification targets for these operators. "There has been a long need for licensing and regulating the aggregators in Delhi for smoother operations for Delhiites. India has set a target to achieve net zero (emissions) by 2070. This scheme is an initiative by the capital city towards the same. It is also the first time that we are allowing bike taxis to run in t

Manish Sisodia approaches SC seeking review of order denying him bail

Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has moved the Supreme Court seeking a review of its order denying him bail in the corruption and money laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The top court had on October 30 refused to grant him bail, saying the accusation against him of facilitating "windfall gains" of Rs 338 crore to wholesale liquor dealers was "tentatively supported" by evidence. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, which termed several charges levelled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Sisodia as debatable, had said, "However, there is one clear ground or charge in the complaint filed under the PML Act, which is free from perceptible legal challenge and the facts as alleged are tentatively supported by material and evidence." It had referred to the CBI's charge sheet, which said the excess amount of 7 per cent commission/fee earned by wholesale distributors of Rs 338 crore constitutes an offence as defined under

SC backs Centre's decision to extend Delhi chief secy's tenure by 6 months

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Centre's decision to extend the tenure of Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, who was all set to demit office on November 30, by six more months. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Candrachud and justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said, the Union government's decision "cannot be construed to be violative of law. We clarify that this (the order upholding the extension of tenure) is based on our prima facie view without any consideration to issues pending adjudication before the constitution bench (examining the amended law dealing with services in the national capital), it said. The bench said the union ministry of home affairs is empowered to extend the tenure of the chief secretary who deals with all issues related to Entry 1, 2 and 8 (police, public order and land) of the seventh schedule of the State List of the Constitution. It said these subjects are beyond the legislative and executive ambit of the Delhi government and hence, pr

Delhi's winter peak power demand may cross 5,700-MW mark, break records

Delhi's winter peak power demand this year may break all previous records, crossing the 5,700-MW mark, officials of power distribution companies said on Wednesday. A BSES official said up to 60 per cent of the maximum winter power demand of over 3,600 MW in its areas will be met by green power. It will also bank on surplus power with other states to meet the increased demand, he said. According to discom officials, the peak power demand of the city this winter can surpass previous peak winter demands. Last year, it had peaked at 5,526 MW, which was the winter record in the national capital, they said. Last winter, the peak winter power demand in BSES's BRPL and BYPL areas reached 2,338 MW and 1,181 MW, respectively. This year, it may go beyond 2,400 MW and 1,200 MW for BRPL and BYPL respectively, a BSES official said. "Ensuring reliable supply in any season is as much the function of proper power arrangements as also accurate demand forecast and robust distribution network. On all

Delhi RERA withdraws order banning listing new property after meeting L-G

The Delhi Real Estate Regulatory Authority withdrew its September order directing sub registrars not to register properties in violation of building bylaws, hours after its top brass met Lt Governor V K Saxena on Tuesday, officials said. Earlier in the day, Saxena met the chairman and members of Delhi RERA along with the chief secretary and divisional commissioner at Raj Niwas over the issue. "The LG impressed upon and requested the RERA to revisit its order in view of the hardship it is causing to common people in Delhi," said a Raj Niwas official. A fresh order issued by Delhi RERA secretary stated, Considering the various facts on record, the Authority has decided to withdraw its order dated 11.09.2023 with immediate effect." During the meeting with RERA chairman and members, the LG brought to their notice the "acute problems and harassment" being faced by the residents of Delhi in a wide ranging discussion regarding the "repercussion of its order", the Raj Niwas official said.

Delhi minister slams Centre over demolition of houses in slum cluster

Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj slammed the Centre on Tuesday over the demolition of houses at a slum cluster located between the Sunder Nursery and Delhi Public School, Mathura Road. Bharadwaj alleged that through its Land And Development Office (LNDO) department, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre took a "cruel stand" in the high court to demolish the slums and that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) was "duty-bound to rehabilitate" the poor people before their houses were demolished. The slum cluster, inhabited by about 1,000 to 1,500 people, most of whom work as ragpickers, street hawkers, domestic helps, labourers and small-scale traders, was demolished in a drive following a court order last week. "According to the law, the central government's DDA was duty-bound to rehabilitate these poor people before the demolition of their homes. Even though the high court had provided the relief in view of the Graded Response Action Plan-3, the Centre provided ...

RRTS project: Want complete compliance of order, SC to Delhi govt

The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it clear that there can be no partial compliance of its order directing the Delhi government to release funds for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project and complete compliance of its directions must take place according to the schedule. The RRTS project entails semi-high speed rail corridors connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Alwar in Rajasthan, and Panipat in Haryana. The apex court observed the problem was that the Delhi government can make a budgetary provision of Rs 580 crore for advertisements but it cannot make a budgetary provision of Rs 400 crore which it is supposed to pay for the project. "You have to be arm twisted for the money which you are liable to pay. That is the problem. Why are you doing this? "The issue is why you have not made budgetary provision. You can make budgetary provision for Rs 580 crore odd for advertisements. But you can't make budgetary provision of Rs 400 odd crore which you are supposed to pay

Govt to hire consultant for upkeep of Okhla, Patparganj industrial areas

The Delhi government has decided to hire a consultant for management of assets and upkeep of industrial areas in Okhla and Patparganj, officials said on Tuesday. The consultant will assist the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) in selection of a facility management services (FMS) agency to handle works such as cleaning and sweeping of roads, door-to-door collection of waste and solid waste management, according to official documents. The agency will also be responsible repairing storm-water drains, potholes, kerb stone, deployment of security, horticulture work, collection of user charges, prevention of encroachment and removal of squatters. The DSIIDC is the nodal agency responsible for development, operation and management of industrial areas or estates pertaining to the Delhi government. The aim is to device a set up for managing, operating and maintaining all infrastructure assets in an integrated manner for Patparganj and the Okhla ...

Delhi court seeks ED's reply on Sanjay Singh's bail plea by Dec 6

A Delhi court on Tuesday directed the ED to file by December 6 its reply to an application by AAP MP Sanjay Singh seeking bail in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam. Special Judge M K Nagpal issued notice to the central probe agency on the application, which claimed that no purpose will be served by keeping Singh in further custody. The judge also directed the ED to provide a copy of the reply to the accused. The anti-money laundering agency had arrested Singh on October 4. The ED has alleged that Singh played a key role in the formulation and implementation of the now scrapped policy, which benefited certain liquor manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, for monetary considerations. Singh has strongly refuted the allegations.

Delhi schools directed to have minimum 220 working days in an academic year

Delhi schools have been directed to observe a minimum of 220 working days in an academic year, according to a circular from the Directorate of Education (DoE) issued on Monday. "As per section 19 of RTE Act-2009 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, it is mandatory for all the schools running under Directorate of Education to observe the minimum 220 working days in an academic year giving consideration to the notified lists of gazetted/restricted/local holidays for the calendar year (January to December)," the circular stated. It said that prior to the commencement of academic year and before observance of the holidays, the heads of government schools must ensure that 220 working days are completed. "The deputy district education (DDE) officers are also advised to ensure strict compliance of the same before sanctioning restricted/local holidays to any school under their jurisdiction. In addition, un-aided recognised schools would also obtain approval of holida

BJP alleges scam in sewage plant projects, demands Kejriwal's resignation

The BJP on Monday alleged a scam in the tendering process for upgrading sewage treatment plants operated by the Delhi Jal Board and demanded that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tender his resignation immediately. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed the Delhi Jal Board invited bids for upgradation of five sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the city and for upgradation and augmentation of another five to increase their capacity. While the estimated cost of the projects was around Rs 1,500 crore, they were awarded to the contractors at an increased rate of Rs 1,938 crore, Bhatia claimed. "Bids were invited and tenders were awarded only after cartelisation to ensure that no honest contractor gets the project.... This is worrisome, Arvind Kejriwal you have committed one more scam," the BJP spokesperson charged. "Look at Arvind Kejriwal's mechanism. The L1 (lowest) bid was at Rs 392 crore but the contract was awarde

50,000 jobless due to new scheme: Bike taxi drivers write to Delhi LG

Delhi's bike taxi drivers have written to the Lt Governor and the AAP government, saying nearly 50,000 of them have been rendered jobless due to the approval of a scheme that mandates aggregators offering passenger services to switch to electric two-wheelers. The file pertaining to the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023 was approved by Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena. The policy is likely to be notified soon. The Apna Bike Taxi Association, in an open letter to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the Delhi government, said it has appealed to the authorities several times to get its grievances addressed but the pleas have not been heard. "We feel that the government should understand that if someone is riding a petrol motorcycle, how can they suddenly get an electric bike. Neither are there electric bike taxis available in the market nor do we have the money to buy them," the letter read. Last month, more than 1,500 bike taxi drivers had written to

Excise Case: Delhi Court to hear bail plea of AAP's Sanjay Singh on Nov 28

ED claimed that Singh played a part in the Delhi govt's decision to give licenses to alcohol shops and merchants in 2020, causing losses to the state exchequer and violating anti-corruption laws