Centre stalling Delhi projects: Sisodia

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia yesterday hit out at the Centre for “defying” the Supreme Court orders and pressuring officers working with the Delhi government to stall its projects.

Sisodia told the media that most IAS officers were refusing to take orders from the Delhi government despite the Supreme Court ruling.

“It is very clear that they have instructions from the Centre and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to stall public welfare projects in Delhi. By doing this, the Centre is not only killing the democratic and federal structure of the country but is also defying the orders of the apex court,” he said.

The Supreme Court on July 4 ruled that the lieutenant governor in Delhi had powers only in three areas: police, land and public order. The powers relating to all the other subjects lie with the elected government of Delhi.

“Even after such clear orders, the Centre through IAS officers is openly defying them,” Sisodia said.

“The transport secretary has refused to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order which stayed the purchase of 2,000 buses for Delhi,” said Sisodia. “Delhi is short of buses and needs them as soon as possible. Stalling the process is not only anti-people but also a clear violation of the Supreme Court order,” Sisodia said. Citing another example, Sisodia said the food commissioner has refused to implement the doorstep ration delivery project in the capital.

“Even after he was directed by the chief minister, the food commissioner, appointed by the Centre, refused to implement the scheme,” he said.

Similarly, the managing director of the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) has refused to carry out the developmental works in the unauthorised colonies in Delhi.

“We would have changed the officer if we had the transfer/ posting powers,” he asserted.