Page 49 - Delhi Government

Delhi's per capita income rises over 14% to Rs 444,768, shows data

Delhi's per capita income increased from Rs 3,89,529 to Rs 4,44,768 in the current financial year, which is 158 per cent higher than the national average, Kejriwal government said on the release of its Statistical Handbook-2023 on Saturday. The handbook containing data on socio-economic parameters of the national capital was released by the Economic and Statistics department of the Delhi government. Despite various obstacles, the Kejriwal government has established new benchmarks in the public services sector in 2023, Planning Department Minister Atishi said on the release of the statistical handbook. The Kejriwal government significantly improved public transportation services in the capital, with an average of 41 lakh passengers commuting daily on buses in 2023. Delhi is leading the electric vehicle revolution in the country and the city currently has 7,200 buses on the streets, including 1,300 electric buses, she said. Compared to 2021-22, the number of electricity consumers in

Kejriwal to attend 2024-25 Delhi budget meeting, cuts short Gujarat tour

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has cut short his three-day Gujarat tour by a day to attend an important meeting related to the Delhi government's 2024-25 budget, officials said. During his visit to Gujarat, Kejriwal is scheduled to address public meetings and meet party workers. He is also likely to meet jailed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Chaitar Vasava, according to sources in the party. The chief minister was scheduled to leave for Gujarat on Saturday but now he will go there on Sunday because he has to attend an important budget-related meeting, they said. The process of preparing the Delhi government's annual budget is underway. The three-day Gujarat tour will now be wrapped up in two days, the officials said. Kejriwal's Gujarat tour was announced amid claims by leaders of his party and him that he may be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy scam case. Kejriwal has skipped three summonses of the ED to appear .

DCW dealt with over 170,000 cases under Maliwal's chairpersonship: Report

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Friday said it has dealt with over 1.7 lakh cases during Swati Maliwal's tenure as the chairperson, a 700 per cent surge compared to her predecessor Barkha Shukla Singh. The DCW released its report spanning 2015 to 2023, showcasing its role in ensuring women's safety in the national capital over this period. During a media briefing this morning, outgoing DCW chief Maliwal, said over the past eight years, the commission's 'Rape Crisis Cell' had received over 41 lakh calls on the women's helpline, assisted survivors in 1,97,479 court hearings, and counselled 60,000 sexual assault survivors. The DCW's focus on LGBTQIA+ rights and addressing cyber-crimes against women showcased its commitment to justice, Maliwal said. "The commission's relentless pursuit of women's safety included advocating for a special task force, tackling acid violence, and exposing illegal liquor and drug practices," she added. In the last eight years, the commission has de

MHA orders CBI probe into substandard drugs' supply in Delhi govt hospitals

The Union Home ministry has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the supply of substandard medicines in Delhi government hospitals and whether the drugs were also distributed through mohalla clinics, sources said on Friday. The CBI probe was ordered following a recommendation by Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena on the matter in December last year. Saxena said the drugs allegedly "failed quality standard tests" and had the "potential of endangering lives" in hospitals run by Delhi government. The Delhi government's Directorate of Vigilance had written to the home ministry requesting the probe. "It also needs to be investigated whether the same drugs which have been procured by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) are also being distributed to the patients through the 'Mohalla Clinics' or not," the communication read. The letter said any action for supplying 'Not of Standard Quality' drugs should not be confined to the CPA and there is need to investigate the ent

AAP welcomes CBI probe into supply of inferior drugs in govt hospitals

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday welcomed the CBI inquiry into the alleged supply of substandard medicines to Delhi government-run hospitals and demanded the immediate suspension of the health department's secretary. The inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was ordered by the Union home ministry following a recommendation of Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena in this regard. "I had given directions for carrying out an audit of medicines immediately after assuming office in March last year but the (Delhi government) health secretary did not follow the directions. I welcome the CBI inquiry into the matter, but why is the Centre shielding the official. He should be immediately suspended," Bharadwaj said. Saxena had in December recommended the CBI probe into the supply of drugs that had allegedly "failed quality standard tests" and had the "potential of endangering lives". Later, the Delhi government's Directorate of Vigilance had wrote to the home ..

Kejriwal govt blames alleged wrongdoing in lab test on health officials

Earlier, Delhi LG VK Saxena recommended a CBI enquiry in the alleged 'Fake lab tests' in Aam Aadmi Mohalla clinics. Fake/non-existent mobile numbers were used to mark the entry of patients

LG Saxena orders CBI probe into 'fake' tests prescribed by mohalla clinics

Lt Governor V K Saxena has ordered a CBI probe into the allegations of fake diagnostic tests prescribed by the Delhi government-run mohalla clinics to benefit private labs, Raj Niwas sources said on Thursday. The development comes days after Saxena ordered a CBI probe into the alleged supply of drugs to Delhi government hospitals that had failed "quality standard tests". "Last year, it emerged that doctors were not coming to mohalla clinics but were still shown as present. It was found that despite their absence, tests and medicines were being prescribed. Later, it was found that tests were conducted on ghost patients. Following this, a CBI probe has been ordered," a source said. No immediate reaction was available from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the development.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to leave for Gujarat on January 6, says AAP

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will leave for a three-day tour of Gujarat on Saturday in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, AAP sources said. The Delhi CM will address public meetings and party workers during his election tour, they said on Thursday. He is also likely to meet jailed AAP leader Chaitar Vasava during his three-day tour, they added. The development comes amid AAP leaders alleging that the Enforcement Directorate is likely to arrest Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case.

32 more shops, commercial establishments in Delhi can now remain open 24/7

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday granted permission for 32 more shops and commercial establishments to operate 24 hours, an official statement said. This initiative will create new employment opportunities for the youth, along with enhancing economic activities within Delhi, it said. The labour department of Delhi proposed this plan to the CM regarding the operation of these establishments for 24 hours. These commercial establishments belong to the categories of commercial, retail trade or business, provision stores, according to the statement. "All these establishments must strictly adhere to the provisions and rules of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act of 1954. The government will keep strict watch over them to ensure that no violation of the rules takes place. The proposal has now been sent to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for final approval," the statement read. Under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act of 1954, the Delhi labour department received 52 ...

Delhi LG Saxena approves higher pay scale to assistant public prosecutors

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved a proposal to grant higher revised pay scale to assistant public prosecutors working under the Directorate of Prosecution in Delhi government, Raj Niwas officials said on Monday. The assistant public prosecutors (APPs) will also get all consequential benefits with effect from September 3, 2015. The APPs will now get 'Pay Band 3' with grade pay of Rs 5,400, the officials said. The existing pay scale for the APPs is in the 'Pay Band 2' with grade pay of Rs 4,800. The proposal for revising the pay scale was placed after the Home Department examined the matter in consultation with the Finance Department of the Delhi government which concurred with the proposal for implementation of revised scale for APPs, the officials said. The revision of pay scale for APPs came after protracted litigations in the Delhi High Court involving the Delhi government and others and correspondence involving Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the LG Secretariat.

AAP vs BJP after Delhi, Punjab tableaux rejected for Republic Day parade

Delhi Art, Culture and Languages Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday said the BJP-led central government rejected the tableaux of Delhi and Punjab for the Republic Day parade to "exact revenge on the AAP", which governs the national capital and the border state. Addressing a press conference, Bharadwaj said the Centre has rejected Delhi's tableaux for three consecutive years now. The last time Delhi's tableau featured in the Republic Day parade was in 2021. It showcased the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project, according to officials. Bharadwaj said Delhi's tableau this year would have showcased schools in the city and the mohalla clinic model. "The tableau of Delhi, which is the capital of the country, was rejected by the Centre. Its tableau was rejected for the 2022 parade and then for the 2023 parade and now it has been rejected again for the 2024 parade," the minister said. The theme of the Republic Day parade was "Nari Shakti" in 2023 and "Viksit Bharat" for 2024, he said. "

Delhi LG approves compensation scheme for victims of mob violence, lynching

Delhi LG V K Saxena has approved amendment in the Delhi Victims Compensation Scheme 2018, enabling the payment of ex gratia to the victims of mob violence and lynching, Raj Niwas officials said on Friday. They added the Supreme Court had in 2018 directed state governments to prepare such a scheme within a month but the Delhi government took five years to submit a proposal, they added. According to the changes in the scheme, the definition of 'victim' has been amended to include the guardian or legal heir of a person who has suffered loss or injury or death as a result of mob violence and mob lynching. Interim relief has been proposed to be paid to the victim(s) or the next of the kin of the deceased within 30 days of the incident, the official said. The apex court had directed on July 17, 2018 that state governments will prepare within one month of the judgement a lynching/mob violence compensation scheme under the provisions of Section 357A of the CrPC. The court had given the ..

Delhi, Punjab tableaux for R-Day parade rejected to exact revenge: AAP

Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday said the BJP-led central government has rejected the tableaux of Delhi and Punjab for the Republic Day parade to "exact revenge on the AAP", which is in power in the capital and the border state. Addressing a press conference, Bharadwaj said the Centre has rejected Delhi's tableaux for three years now. The last time Delhi's tableau featured in the Republic Day parade was in 2021. It showcased the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project, according to officials. Bharadwaj said Delhi's tableau this year would have showcased schools in the city and the Mohalla Clinic model. "The tableau of Delhi, which is the capital of the country, was rejected by the Centre. Its tableau was rejected for the 2022 parade and then for the 2023 parade and now it has been rejected again for the 2024 parade," the minister said. The theme of the Republic Day parade was 'Nari Shakti' in 2023 and it is 'Viksit Bharat' for the 2024 parade, he said. "No one can say it's

Delhi's LG approves proposal to notify MTP Act; blames AAP govt for delay

The move, aimed at ensuring universal access for women to comprehensive abortion care, comes more than two years after the amendments were made by Parliament

Delhi govt orders genome sequencing for all Covid cases to detect JN.1

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday said he has reiterated directions for carrying out genome sequencing of positive cases so that cases of JN.1 variant can be confirmed. Talking to PTI Video, he said the government has ramped up Covid testing, with 636 tests conducted on Wednesday. Bharadwaj had on Wednesday confirmed Delhi's first case of JN. 1 variant. "I have reiterated the directions for genome sequencing of all the positive cases, so that the number of cases of new variants can be confirmed. Yesterday, three variants were confirmed, of which two were of the old Omicron variant and the new one is JN.1 variant. The good thing is that the patient diagnosed with the new variant, who was hospitalised, has been discharged," he told PTI Video. He said the patient was a 52-year-old woman who got admitted to the hospital since she got a little worried. "She did not have any severe issues," he added. The minister said that four patients are currently in hospital. He a

134 flights delayed, 22 trains running late as dense fog engulfs Delhi

The IMD had forecast that the temperature on Thursday would hit a low of 7.8 degrees Celsius, with the maximum at 22 degrees Celsius

PM to chair conference of chief secretaries in Delhi on Thursday-Friday

The key focus of the National Conference of Chief Secretaries this year will be 'Ease of Living'

Another drug from hospitals found to be of sub-standard quality: Delhi LG

Days after Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena referred a matter pertaining to drugs failing quality standard tests to CBI, Raj Niwas officials on Wednesday reported another medicine used for treating seizures and epilepsy turning out to be spurious. Saxena had last week recommended a CBI inquiry into the alleged supply of drugs that "failed quality standard tests" and have the "potential of endangering lives." According to officials, another drug sample taken from Delhi government hospitals was failed by the RDTL, or Regional Drug Testing Laboratory, in Chandigarh. This time an anti-epilepsy drug called 'Sodium Valproate' was found to be falling short of the standards. The report was issued by a government analyst on December 22, an official said. The drugs that have been found to be of "sub-standard quality" included Cephalexin, a critical life-saving antibiotic used for the treatment of lung and urinary tract infections, according to officials. They also included Dexamethasone, a ste

Covid-positive samples sent for genome sequencing in Delhi as cases spike

The Delhi government has sent COVID-19 positive samples to laboratories for genome sequencing, officials said on Tuesday. Sixty-three cases of Covid sub-variant JN.1 were reported in the country till Sunday, including 34 in Goa, official sources said. Nine cases have been detected in Maharashtra, eight in Karnataka, six in Kerala, four in Tamil Nadu and two in Telangana, they added. "Delhi is witnessing three-four (Covid) cases every day, which means the positivity rate is less than 1 per cent. The samples of the positive patients have been sent for genome sequencing," an official said. He said the samples have been sent to the genome-sequencing laboratories at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) hospital and Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS). Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Monday that the national capital is recording three-four Covid cases on an average every day and asserted that the city is well equipped to fight the virus resurgence. "We had a meet

Surprise inspection of Delhi hospitals begins as new Covid variant surges

Covid cases registered a rise in the country towards the end of 2023 with sub-variant JN.1 on the radar while the Delhi government planned to step up genome surveillance to tackle the issue going forward. As the new threat looms on the horizon with an uptick in Covid cases amid the festive season, doctors in Delhi have advised people to wear masks, avoid gatherings and maintain a healthy diet. The devastating third wave of the Covid pandemic driven by the Omicron variant had resulted in a record surge of infections in Delhi in early 2022, and the second one driven by the Delta variant had wreaked havoc in the national capital, as at other places, in 2021. The fresh threat, as there was one early 2023, has only proven many experts right that "Covid is not out of the world yet". Both the Centre and the Delhi government are alert and have planned a way forward to tackle any situation. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on December 20 told PTI that oxygen cylinders, ventilator be