Kejriwal assures development, funds for unauthorised colonies

AMBITIOUS PLANS: Delhi CM said development of the colonies was one of the prime agenda of govt but it was delayed due to the interference of the Lt Governor

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said developmental works in the national capital will be “speeded up” and he will ensure that funds were sanctioned, within a fortnight, for roads and drains in all the unauthorised colonies.

“Life of people is hell in the unauthorised colonies. To ensure a life of dignity to them, funds and approval will be sanctioned for roads and drains in the next 10-15 days for these colonies throughout the national capital region. Work will start on the war footing and daily progress will be monitored,” he told media after inspecting the development works in Kirari Assembly constituency area here.

Kejriwal met the locals who complained of the shoddy work being carried out, over which he warned the officials of suspension if the work was not up to the mark.

He said the work to ensure water supply is already going on. “We will also work on the sewer soon.”

The chief minister also said that development of the unauthorised colonies was one of the prime agenda of the elected government, but it was delayed due to the interference of the Lt Governor.

“However, now after the decision of the Supreme Court, the projects would be speeded up,” he added.

Kejriwal said the Supreme Court’s July 4 order made it clear that his government had the power to transfer or post bureaucrats and if the Centre, represented by the Lt Governor, was in any confusion they should approach the apex court. On being asked if he would go to court over the Services issue, he told the media that the Lt Governor and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are the one having confusion and they should approach the Court. “We do not have any confusion”.

Kejriwal said that the two — Lt Governor Anil Baijal and the MHA — were interpreting the Supreme Court’s order “in a strange way”.

“They are saying they are ready for the files and concurrence part of the order, but will not accept the Services order. This is not done, either apply for the order fully or not at all. You cannot accept the order as per your wish,” he said.

Kejriwal also said that “on one hand, the MHA is saying they are not interfering in the works of the Lt Governor, but they themselves in a statement released on Friday said they have asked the Lt Governor to wait for the Supreme Court’s order on Services.”

The war over the administration and governance of Delhi intensified after the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled in favour of the elected city government and clipped the Lt Governor’s independent decision-making powers.

Kejriwal on Friday had sought time from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to urge him to follow the apex court’s orders.

Funds and approval will be sanctioned for roads and drains in the next 10-15 days for the colonies ARVIND KEJRIWAL Chief Minister of Delhi