Page 57 - Delhi Government

Delhi services bill circulated among MPs before introduction in Parliament

The draft bill to replace the ordinance which mandated the creation of an authority for transfers and postings of senior officers in the Delhi government is ready and has been circulated among the MPs before its introduction in Parliament next week. The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023 will have the identical provisions for the appointments and postings of the senior officers in the Delhi government like the ordinance promulgated on May 19. According to the bill, all transfer and postings of senior officers in the Delhi government will be done by a three-member committee headed by the Delhi chief minister. The Delhi ordinance was promulgated by the central government a week after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in Delhi excluding police, public order and land to the elected government, headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "With a view to give effect to the intent and purpose behind the provisions of article 239AA of

Delhi CM calls meeting with minister, mayor over escalating dengue cases

The meeting aims to devise a comprehensive strategy to combat the escalating dengue cases that have gripped the city in recent weeks

Delhi govt's international film festival plan likely to be postponed to Dec

The Delhi government's plan to host an international film festival in August have hit a roadblock owing to the scheduled venue not being available at that time, sources have said. The Tourism Department had plans to host the film festival in August at the Siri Fort Auditorium, but it is likely to be postponed to December, they said. "The festival is being replanned. We want to host it at the Siri Fort Auditorium but other events are lined up at the venue in August and September. So we will have to replan it," a source said. Another source said the finer details of the festival could not be finalised in time which also led to the event being rescheduled. "Organising a film festival requires a lot of planning. Some things could not be finalised. The festival is likely to be held in December," the source added. In June, officials said the department has plans to confer several awards, including one for lifetime achievement in filmmaking, at the first film festival. A special section

58 more services to be added soon to Delhi govt's doorstep delivery scheme

The Arvind Kejriwal government's flagship doorstep delivery of services scheme in Delhi is likely to be expanded soon with the addition of 58 more services, officials said on Wednesday. The doorstep delivery scheme currently covers 100 services of 13 departments. Chief Minister Kejriwal is expected to launch doorstep delivery of the new services in the first week of August, a senior officer said. Preparations for the launch are almost complete and the software for it has been tested, he said. The 58 new services include 29 related to the transport department. These include international driving permits, name change in driving licences and issuing vehicle fitness certificates, according to an official document. Some services related to the Mukhya Mantri Tirth Yatra Yojna and ex gratia payment are also in the list of new services to be added to the doorstep delivery scheme. Many services of the labour department have also been added to the list. A person can avail doorstep delivery

NDMC meeting adjourned amid ruckus over Delhi govt's flood 'mismanagement'

A New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday adjourned amid ruckus and sloganeering against the AAP chief over his government's mismanagement during recent rains and flood situation in the city. Council members cornered Kejriwal over several issues including incidents related to recent rains and flood situations in the national capital. NDMC Vice Chairman Satish Upadhyay on Wednesday alleged that the council meeting convened at the council room, got adjourned after questions were raised regarding the recent rains and flood situation in the New Delhi area. "Today's meeting was postponed by Kejriwal. If he wanted, the meeting could have been held again after a while but he did not want to. The council members have a legitimate right to demand answers and accountability from the chief minister for the betterment of the city and its residents, which they did today," he said. Upadhyay informed that the next meeting of the Council wi

NDMC plans new solar policy to shift completely to renewable energy

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is planning to bring in a new solar policy with an aim to shift completely to renewable energy, officials said on Tuesday. At a press conference, NDMC member Kuljeeg Chahal said the civic body will encourage the implementation of grid-connected solar plants. "New Delhi Municipal Council has embarked upon an ambitious journey of shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy. "In addition to the broader arrangement of tying up with the renewable energy sources it is also incumbent upon the council to all possible potential of solar energy generation within its jurisdiction," Chahal said in a statement. NDMC will promote the deployment of solar plants with net metering on all existing, upcoming or proposed buildings, including that of government organisations, government hospitals, schools and other educational and research institutes and fire stations, hospitals, he said. The policy will be applicable for any solar energy-generated system with a ..

Union Cabinet approves bill to replace Delhi services ordinance: Report

The Union Cabinet is learnt to have given its nod on Tuesday to a bill that will replace the ordinance promulgated for the creation of an authority for transfers and postings of Group-A officers in Delhi, sources said. The legislation was approved by a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here this evening. The bill is expected to be tabled in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament to replace the ordinance, the sources said. An ordinance is promulgated by the President on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet when the Parliament is not in session. It is mandatory for the Parliament to adopt a law to replace the ordinance within six weeks of the commencement of the next session. The controversial Delhi ordinance was promulgated by the central government on May 19, a week after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in Delhi excluding police, public order and land to the elected government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. T

Steps taken to provide relief to flood-affected families: Delhi govt to HC

The Delhi government told the high court on Monday that it has taken steps to provide relief to those affected by the flooding of the Yamuna river this month. The counsel for the government submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, which was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) matter seeking free ration, medical assistance etc. at the relief camps here, that a cabinet decision has been taken to provide a financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each to the affected families and shelter has also been given to them. The bench, also comprising Justice Saurabh Banerjee, asked the government to file a status report on the issue and listed the matter for further hearing on September 13. Standing counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi, who appeared in the court on behalf of the Delhi government, also raised "serious objections" against the petition, saying it was filed without any due diligence or approaching the authorities first and "reflects as if nothing has been

Fire breaks out at factory in Delhi's Samaypur Badli area, 4 injured

Four people were injured in a fire at a factory in northwest Delhi's Samaypur Badli area on Monday, officials said. According to fire officials, information regarding the blaze was received at 11.15 am, following which 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot at Ambe Garden in Samaypur Badli. Preliminary information suggested that four people were injured, they said, adding that further details are awaited.

Yamuna's water level likely to rise, Delhi govt directs to maintain vigil

The Delhi government has directed officials to maintain vigil in vulnerable areas and make arrangements to shift people to safer locations after the Central Water Commission forecast a rise in the Yamuna's water level. The water level in the Yamuna in Delhi dropped below the danger mark of 205.33 metres early on Thursday. At 12 noon on Friday, the water level stood at 204.95 metres. According to a Central Water Commission forecast earlier in the day, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge is likely to reach 205.45 metres between 10 pm and 12 midnight on Friday, subsequently rising further. Following the forecast, the city government advised the officials to maintain vigil in their respective areas and take necessary action at vulnerable points. The officials have also been advised to warn people living close to river embankments and make arrangements to shift them to safer places. The Yamuna had been receding gradually after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 metres on July ..

Delhi govt issues advisory on water-borne diseases in view of monsoon

Cautioning that there is an increased risk of contracting water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera in the rainy season, the Delhi government has issued an advisory mentioning dos and don't . The city health department's advisory was published in several leading dailies on Friday. The advisory mentions the dos and don't that need to be followed in view of the monsoon season. Water-borne diseases spread due to consumption of contaminated water, ice or food. The advisory has asked people to eat home-cooked fresh food, maintain good personal hygiene, use ORS solutions to prevent dehydration and visit a health facility in case of vomiting, jaundice or fever. It has also asked people to not consume roadside uncooked food, such as cut-fruits. The advisory also asks them to not urinate or defecate in the open. Authorities earlier had also cautioned that in the aftermath of the recent flooding in parts of Delhi, there was a risk of spread of water-borne and vector-bor

Sad that nobody cares for 'headless' DERC, will appoint ad-hoc chief: SC

As the hearing began on Thursday, the apex court was informed that the chief minister and the LG failed to arrive at a consensus on the issue

'Sad no one cares', says Supreme Court on DERC chief appointment

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court said that would appoint the chairperson of DERC as an ad-hoc measure

Supreme Court refers Delhi ordinance case to five-judge constitution bench

The bench said that it cannot allow the DERC to remain 'headless' as it will affect public interest

Delhi govt's challenge to Centre's ordinance referred to constitution bench

The Supreme Court Thursday referred to a constitution bench for adjudication the Delhi government's petition against the Centre's recent ordinance taking away the control of services from the city dispensation. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra said the detailed order referring the case to a larger bench will be uploaded on the apex court website later in the day. We will refer it to the constitution bench, the bench said after hearing brief submissions advanced by senior advocates Harish Salve, Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the Delhi government respectively. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the Centre. The top court had recently issued notices to the Centre and the lieutenant governor on the plea while refusing to grant an interim stay on the ordinance on control over services in Delhi. The Centre had on May 19 promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory

No consensus between Delhi CM, LG on DERC chairperson appointment: SC told

The Delhi Government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) on Thursday told the Supreme Court that they have failed to arrive at a consensus on the issue of appointment of DERC chairperson. The top court suggested that it may consider appointing a former judge for some time on an ad-hoc basis and for that, it will have to consult few judges. After a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud was apprised that there was no consensus on the issue, the CJI asked, "Can you both not pick up one judge for appointment as DERC chairperson." Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the Delhi LG, said the top court can suggest names for appointment of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission(DERC) chaiperson and he or she will be appointed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the institution can't remain headless and the bench can appoint the DERC chairperson. The bench, also comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra, said the parties can give names of thr

Delhi govt panel to streamline non-creamy layer, EWS in appointments

A committee has been formed by the Delhi government to streamline processing of appointment dossiers of select candidates by bringing more clarity over the applicability of non-creamy layer and economically weaker sections, officials said on Tuesday. The four-member panel will be headed by the services secretary. It will submit its action taken report till July 14. "Education director, deputy commissioner (headquarter) of revenue department, and secretary of the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) will be members of the committee," said a memorandum issued by the services department recently. Officials said the appointment dossiers of over 1,800 select candidates are pending due to the issue. A candidate of OBC (other backward class) category falls in the non-creamy layer if his family income is less than Rs 8 lakh per annum. The EWS (economically weaker sections) category refers to those unreserved category candidates whose annual family income is below Rs 8 lakh.

Surge in snake sightings as floodwaters recede, govt sets up response team

With a surge in snake sightings across Delhi as floodwaters recede, the city government on Tuesday decided to establish a rapid response team to effectively handle the situation. According to an official, this is the first time such a team has been assembled, reflecting the severity of the recent flooding as the swollen Yamuna River reached farther into the city than it has in over four decades. Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the rapid response team will be operational in all flood-affected districts of Delhi, ensuring comprehensive coverage in addressing the snake-related concerns. To provide immediate assistance and streamline the reporting of snake incidents, the forest department has introduced a dedicated helpline number, 1800118600. Over the past few days, there have been multiple reports of snakes emerging from houses, posing a risk to residents. Concerns have been raised about snake encounters near flood relief camps, a statement said. An official informed PTI that mo

Homes washed away, Delhi flood victims stare at battle to stay afloat

They survived Delhi's devastating floods but now stare at the challenges of the aftermath -- rebuilding a home, restarting a life! Aruna Devi (35) lived in the Yamuna Khadar area before the water of the swollen river came gushing in last week, sweeping away the modest structure she called home and destroying her children's books. The family was evacuated to a relief camp, and as the water recedes it prepares to come back. Their immediate challenge is that one of them has fallen sick, but their longterm challenges are more daunting. "I am worried for the education of my children," says Aruna, who worked in agriculture fields. "The flood washed away their books and other essentials. When I went back to get them, the police did not let me. I do not know what I shall do." The consequences of the floods have been devastating with over 26,000 people being evacuated from their homes. The waters inundated key landmarks, roads, monuments and residential areas. The estimated loss of property

SC junks petition seeking action against comedian for show 'Bas Kar Bassi'

From trying to find a middle ground in DERC appointments to hearing plea against police encounters in Assam, here's a list of important developments in the apex court today