Row over 'phansi ghar' in Delhi Assembly: Delhi CM demands probe into AAP's claims
Speaker Vijender Gupta said the structure, renovated and inaugurated in 2022 by then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, was actually a "tiffin room" and not a site for executions during the colonial era.
Addressing the Assembly during a discussion on the matter, Chief Minister Gupta said Rs 1 crore was spent on decorating the so-called 'Phansi-Ghar', and the amount should be recovered.
"There should be an inquiry into the matter. 'Phansi-Ghar' is nothing but lies propagated by former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. An All-India Speaker's Conference will be held in Delhi, and these lies should be removed before their visit," she said.
In a jibe at Kejriwal, the chief minister said the AAP national convener "has multiple degrees, in drama and psychology". She claimed that the former chief minister was "adept" at playing with people's emotions.
The Assembly speaker said that two tiffin rooms equipped with pulley-operated lifts were part of the building, which served as the Imperial Legislative Council during the British Raj.
The map of the building specifying each room, including the tiffin rooms, was kept at the National Archives, he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Bill may lead to more litigation rather than addressing core issue, say parents
As the Delhi Assembly passed the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025 on Friday, aimed at curbing arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, parents across the city responded with a mix of cautious optimism amid lingering concerns over the issue. While principals largely welcomed the move, many parents questioned its efficacy and pointed to gaps in its implementation. The bill, introduced by the Delhi government, mandates a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism, penalties of up to ₹10 lakh for violations, and a formal role for parents in approving fee structures. While principals largely welcomed the move, many parents questioned its efficacy and pointed to gaps in its implementation. 'This law is welcome as all stakeholders are taken into consideration,' said Richa Sharma, principal of Ramjas International School, RK Puram. 'If you look at the grievance redressal mechanisms, each party has been given a voice. We hope this law brings clarity on the kind of investments schools make for students, so fee hike issues are resolved amicably.' Minakshi Kushawa, principal of Birla Vidya Niketan, Pushp Vihar, also supported the law but stressed the need for reforms in government schools to reduce pressure on private institutions. 'Sometimes the lack of facilities at government schools leaves parents with no choice but to opt for private schools, creating a surplus demand. While this law is a good step, equal attention must be paid to all schools in the long run,' she said. Parents, however, were more sceptical. One of the key sticking points is the provision that only a group comprising at least 15% of aggrieved parents can formally raise concerns under the law. 'We've suggested that any individual parent should be allowed to approach the review committee based on valid documentation,' said Divya Matey, a parent at DPS Dwarka. 'If only a quorum can raise issues, many grievances might never reach the committee.' Mohit Arora, a parent at Salwan Public School in Mayur Vihar, said he received a strike-off notice from the school on the very day the bill was passed. 'The school has asked for fees from March to July 2025 and given us until August 12 to pay. This is despite the bill clearly stating that students cannot be struck off the rolls for fee-related issues. We've paid the authorised amount and requested an audit,' he said. Parent groups also raised concerns about legal restrictions imposed by the bill. 'The formation of so many committees, the provision barring parents from approaching courts, and the requirement of a minimum number of complainants — all of this only makes the process harder,' said Aparajita Gautam, president of the Delhi Parents Association. 'This is likely to result in more litigation and doesn't address the core issue of arbitrary hikes.'
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Assembly passes Bill to rein in arbitrary fee hikes by private schools
The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025, with the stated aim of curbing 'arbitrary' fee hikes by private schools and introducing a long-term framework to address concerns of parents and students. The legislation applies to all 1,677 private unaided schools in the national capital. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta with her cabinet colleagues during monsoon session of Delhi Legislative assembly. (HT Photo) The bill was approved by the Delhi Cabinet in April and was tabled by education minister Ashish Sood on Monday. It introduces a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism, imposes penalties of up to ₹10 lakh for violations, and mandates parental participation in the fee determination process. During the discussion on the bill, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sanjeev Jha proposed that the legislation be referred to a select committee for further scrutiny. The proposal was rejected by voice vote, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holding a majority in the House – 48 members compared to the AAP's 22. The issue of fee hikes had triggered widespread protests over the summer, with parents from across the city raising repeat concerns about steep and unregulated increases in private school fees. Leader of the Opposition Atishi requested a division of votes, but the request was not granted as the BJP held 41 votes against 17 from the opposition. Following this, the AAP MLAs staged a walkout as the bill was passed by voice vote. Chief minister Rekha Gupta said the bill was a landmark step in education reform and would bring long-overdue relief to parents. She said the bill was the result of consultations with parents, school managements, and civil society groups. 'After 52 years, Delhi's parents have received justice. The education minister spoke with hundreds of stakeholders to create a bill that truly represents the interest of the public. From the moment a child is born, parents begin worrying about school admissions and rising fees. This law offers them protection,' said Gupta. She also criticised the previous Congress and AAP governments, claiming that they failed to address the issue during their tenures. 'The Congress ruled for 15 years and AAP for 11 years but did nothing. We have now provided a transparent structure with strict penalties and oversight,' she added. Atishi criticised the bill, calling it a 'rubber stamp' for private schools and ineffective in curbing exploitative practices. 'The bill endorses unchecked fee hikes. There is no requirement for audits and no right for parents to approach courts for redressal. It is a bill drafted in favour of private schools,' she said. Gupta rejected these allegations and said the opposition was raising objections without substance. She said the AAP had failed to improve the education system during its rule, claiming the party built only 20 schools in 11 years and did not fill thousands of teaching vacancies in government schools. 'There are currently 20,000 vacancies out of 60,000 sanctioned teacher posts in Delhi. Many schools do not have principals or adequate staff. Instead of fixing this, AAP is trying to mislead the public about our bill,' said the Chief Minister. Sood also accused the AAP of spreading misinformation. He said the bill includes provisions for audits and transparency, citing Rule 180(3) of the Delhi School Education Rules (DSEAR), 1973. 'They claim the audit clause has been removed, which is entirely false. Audit provisions remain intact. The opposition's only strategy is to create noise without facts. They want to mislead the people,' said Sood. He said the bill was a historic step in addressing arbitrary fee hikes and dismissed AAP's objections as politically motivated. The legislation sets up three committees to oversee the implementation and compliance of the new fee regulation structure: the School Level Fee Regulation Committee, the District Fee Appellate Committee, and a Revision Committee at the top level. Schools will not be allowed to collect fees beyond what is approved under the act. The government has said that the structure is designed to ensure accountability while involving all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and school management representatives. Gupta said the passage of the bill marks a shift in how private schools are expected to function in Delhi. 'Schools will no longer be allowed to function as profit-making enterprises. This bill will ensure that education remains a service, not a business. It changes not just the system but the mindset,' she said. The bill will now be sent to the lieutenant governor for final approval before being enacted into law.
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Delhi CM salutes sanitation workers' dedication, vows to protect their dignity, rights & honour
New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) Saluting the dedication and work done by city's sanitation workers, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today said that the relentless effort put in by them to make the national capital clean and free from waste is something that cannot be expressed in words. Gupta said, "The entire city salutes your dedication. With your continued support, our pledge to rid the capital of waste is not only possible but achievable.' She further emphasized that the consistent contributions of the 'Swachhata Praharis' (sanitation workers) are central to the goal of a clean and hygienic Delhi. Gupta on Friday celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the sanitation workers at the Chief Minister's Seva Sadan, and tied rakhi on to their wrists, which was a heart touching gesture. CM stated, 'On this auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I vow to protect your dignity, rights, and honour. It is my privilege to celebrate this occasion with those who selflessly work every day to make Delhi a better, cleaner, and healthier city,' she added. She urged them to pledge their continued efforts in making the national capital permanently free from waste. Deeply moved by the CM's affection and respect, the 'Swachhata Praharis' pledged their unwavering commitment to cleanliness drive underway in the city, not just this month but in the long term. The workers shared that it was the first time in the city's history that a CM had invited them to such a sacred occasion and honoured them with such respect. A cleanliness drive is currently underway across the national capital which aims to make the city free from garbage, and improve the overall sanitation in the city. The campaign that began on August 1 will go on till August 31, where the government is encouraging public participation, ultimately to achieve the goal of a clean city. All the ministers, MLAs and councilors in the city are taking part in the initiative launched by CM, in their respective areas. Government departments offices, schools and other places will also be part of the campaign. UNI APS RKM More News NSA Doval meets Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister in Moscow 09 Aug 2025 | 2:29 AM Delhi/Moscow, Aug 8 (UNI) Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov held a meeting with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval, who is now in Moscow. see more.. Delhi CM salutes sanitation workers' dedication, vows to protect their dignity, rights & honour 08 Aug 2025 | 11:48 PM New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) Saluting the dedication and work done by city's sanitation workers, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today said that the relentless effort put in by them to make the national capital clean and free from waste is something that cannot be expressed in words. see more.. Delhi CM seeks action on Rs 5,200 cr labour fund left unspent by previous Govt 08 Aug 2025 | 11:39 PM New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta delivered a strong statement in the legislative assembly today, criticising the previous government over declarations regarding workers' welfare, alleging they were not translated into meaningful action. see more.. Delhi traders concerned over certain clauses in GST Amendment Bills, says opposition 08 Aug 2025 | 10:39 PM New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) The Delhi Assembly today witnessed heated discussions over two GST Amendment Bills tabled by the government, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) raising concerns about their potential impact on small traders. see more.. China welcomes PM Modi's upcoming visit to Tianjin for SCO Summit on Aug 31-Sep 1 08 Aug 2025 | 10:37 PM New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) China today welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit saying it will be a ''gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results.'' ''China welcomes Prime Minister Modi to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit. We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results,'' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. see more..
