Policy matters
No free passes for AAP MLAs or ministers: Kejriwal
Taking a strong exception about free passes being sought for high profile events or concerts, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has issued instructions to all the government officials not to entertain requests from MLAs or ministers seeking such passes.
Mr Kejriwal has directed the administration that if someone makes a request for free passes then department head should first inform the chief minister’s office about the same.
The city ministers and MLAs can now only attend the event if they have bought the tickets or they are invited by the organiser for an event.
The chief minister has purportedly told his principal secretary to communicate with all the departments to put a “blanket” ban on demands of free passes of entertainment events in the city by AAP MLAs and ministers. “Mr Kejriwal also directed that if anyone wishes to attend any event or concert then they can buy the tickets of the programme and attend it,” a senior officer said. Previously, the practice of demanding free passes for high profile events, like IPL matches, plays and music concerts, were common by the ministers and MLAs. Various departments used to arrange passes from the organisers in exchange of assuring hassle free events.
A similar request had been purportedly brought into the notice of chief minister who denied giving permission. Recently, a delegation of the Event and Entertainment Management Association met the CM and highlighted the issue of corruption faced while organising an event. The delegation informed Mr Kejriwal that they face corruption at several steps while conducting any event. To hold an event in Delhi, organisers have to give 20 to 30 per cent of passes free for VIP entry. The CM had assured that Delhi government doesn’t want any passes for the events and even he will buy tickets if he has to attend any concert.