Sisodia to head body responsible for names of roads

NEWDELHI:The Delhi government has constituted the State Naming Authority after approval from lieutenant governor Anil Baijal.

In a departure from the past, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and not the chief minister, will chair the authority that has 34 members, including seven ruling Aam Aadmi Party MLAs and officers of the Centre.

The previous Delhi State Naming Authority was chaired by former chief minister Sheila Dikshit and the last meeting of the authority was held on December 20, 2012.

The authority has the mandate to decide on naming, renaming of roads, villages, etc, and installation of statues and memorials under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.

Delhi urban development minister Satyendar Jain said the proposal to constitute a new panel had been pending with the L-G office for long.

“Former L-G Najeeb Jung had been sitting on the file. The new panel has been notified, which includes seven MLAs and officials from the Centre. Special secretary (urban development) will be member secretary of the authority,” said Jain, who in the capacity of Delhi UD minister will be the vice-chairman of the authority.

Jain said the constitution of the authority will expedite the process of ‘several pending’ proposals.