Latest news with #AAPDelhi
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Row over Delhi CM's phone allowance cap: Kejriwal, Sisodia bought high-end devices during AAP's rule, says minister
The political row over the revised phone reimbursement cap for the Delhi Chief Minister and Cabinet escalated, with the BJP accusing former AAP ministers of purchasing expensive phones, exceeding the allotted amount, during their tenure. This came after AAP Delhi convenor and former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had attacked the BJP government, saying that it is ignoring the promises made to women during the Assembly elections and giving importance to purchasing expensive gadgets. On July 9, the General Administration Department in Delhi revised the ceiling for purchase of mobile handsets — for the chief minister, the upper limit is Rs 1.50 lakh, while it is Rs 1.25 lakh for the ministers — after 12 years. On Thursday, senior BJP leader and Power Minister Ashish Sood shared phone bills and receipts of mobile phones purchased by former CM Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and other ministers — amounting to lakhs and exceeding the allocated reimbursement limits. Waving some documents, Sood said that as per the 2013 order, the cap for purchasing a phone set for the CM was Rs 50,000 while it was Rs 45,000 for the ministers. He alleged that the then chief ministers Kejriwal, Atishi and ministers Sisodia, Bharadwaj and others violated the rules and purchased high-end mobile phones beyond the permitted limit. He also accused the previous AAP regime of pushing government officials to cover the cost of the mobile phones. Addressing a press conference, Sood said, 'A few days ago, the AAP made a comment questioning the current government over the revision of phone reimbursement cap and asked vikas kiska ho raha?… We are replying to this because it is a question about an institution… These days, mobile phones are not a luxury… All of us work (on our) phones… The CM and ministers receive a lot of complaints through WhatsApp and e-mail…' Taking a dig at the AAP, he claimed, 'I feel that even Atishi and Bharadwaj are tired of their leaders Kejriwal and Sisodia, that is why they are highlighting these issues — so that we can expose their reality before the public.' According to an official document, between 2015 and 2022, Kejriwal bought the iPhone 6s Plus and 7 Plus, and iPhone 12 and 13 Pro Max worth a total of Rs 4,53,800. Sisodia purchased phones worth Rs 5.23 lakh between 2017 and 2022. 'All these exceeded the Rs 50,000 and Rs 45,000 limits… Kejriwal's office even sought post-facto approval for the excessive expenditure, stating in internal notes that the amount spent is on the higher side…,' alleged Sood. He also accused Atishi of buying phones worth lakhs. The minister alleged that Atishi split the bill into two payments — one for Rs 45,000 and the second for Rs 89,000 — to 'avoid scrutiny'. 'Bharadwaj bought an iPhone for Rs 61,000 in 2023 but was reimbursed only Rs 45,000. He assumed his bill would also be passed like those of senior leaders — but that didn't happen,' Sood alleged. On Tuesday, Bharadwaj had alleged, 'The BJP had promised Rs 2,500 per month to lakhs of women starting March 8. Yet not a single rupee has been disbursed. When it comes to buying Rs 1.5 lakh-worth phones and sanctioning unlimited bills for themselves, the BJP acts without delay. But when it comes to women, they hide behind committees.' The phone reimbursement cap has been revised after 12 years, officials had said, adding that the last revision took place in 2013. Earlier, the ceiling was set at around Rs 50,000. 'Though the previous cap was set at Rs 50,000, the CM and ministers in the previous AAP regime have bought expensive iPhones which went above the allocated allowance, touching more than Rs 1 lakh. Viewing the current market price and value of phone sets, the department decided to revise the amount,' a senior officer had said on Tuesday.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
100 Devi Buses Flagged Off From Narela
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 100 Devi electric buses from the newly built Narela bus depot, with a striking change—the colour has been changed from green to saffron. Traditionally, green signifies eco-friendly practices, and the colour switch has stirred up a debate. AAP Delhi convener Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "BJP wants to hurt Hindu sentiments by painting Devi buses saffron. Stains of vomit, paan, spit and mucus on buses will offend Hindu faith." Defending the move, Gupta said, "Delhi is vibrant and colourful…so, as an experiment, green and orange buses have been introduced." She added that the launch coincided with Rath Yatra and was dedicated to Lord Jagannath. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The nine-metre-long Devi buses, each with 23 seats and standing space for 17 people, are ideal for navigating the city's narrow lanes and specially designed for efficient last-mile connectivity. The low-floor, AC, wheelchair-friendly buses are equipped with panic buttons, CCTV cameras and real-time tracking features. Over 2,000 e-buses are already operational in Delhi, Gupta said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fastest Selling Plots of Mysore from 40L | 40+ Amenities PurpleBrick Learn More Undo Some of the new buses will be driven by women, an inspiring initiative by Delhi govt, the chief minister's office stated. Gupta emphasised govt's commitment to strengthening public transport and building a cleaner, greener and more connected capital. "We promised to modernise every bus depot and terminus in Delhi, and construct new ones to ensure seamless, safe and widespread transport access. Today's terminus and Devi buses stand testimony to that commitment." She added that the Rs 2.63-crore depot was completed in just 90 days, reflecting govt's efficiency and dedication. Sharing key features of the Sector A-9 facility, CM said that developed on approximately 4,000 square metre, the terminus included modern facilities for both passengers and buses. With three dedicated bus bays and two high-tech sheds, the depot is designed as a modern public transport hub. It includes parking for buses, a new pass section, staff and passenger canteens, medical facilities, clean toilets, RO water plant, pantry and EV charging stations. Gupta said the depot would operate 75 buses on nine major routes, most of which would be electric. The routes will connect with areas like Old Delhi Railway Station, Mori Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Uttam Nagar and border regions, improving transit in northwest Delhi and promoting the vision of green, clean public transport throughout the city. Highlighting how routes were reduced, per-kilometre costs inflated and thousands of DTC employees were rendered jobless earlier, Gupta claimed, "The previous govts were more focused on profit than performance. For the first time, Delhi has a govt that values work over money." She said the goal was to convert 100% of Delhi's public transport fleet to electric, reducing pollution and providing safe, comfortable and eco-friendly travel options. "This is not just a bus launch, it is a firm step towards transforming Delhi's transport future." Calling the launch a historic milestone for the city, transport minister Pankaj Singh said the depot would ensure safer and more accessible transport for every citizen.
NDTV
26-06-2025
- NDTV
Medical Exam Rules Out Sexual Assault Of Woman Who Died At Delhi Hospital
New Delhi: The Delhi government on Thursday said that medical examination of a 23-year-old woman who died during treatment at a government hospital showed no signs of sexual assault, despite allegations to the contrary. The statement came after the Opposition slammed the BJP-led Delhi government over the matter, flagging the "deteriorating" law and order situation and "crumbling" health infrastructure in the national capital. The woman was allegedly molested by a patient in the same ward at the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, where she was initially admitted. She was later referred to the GTB Hospital, where she succumbed during treatment. The accused, identified as Mohammed Faiz, a resident of Kachchi Khajuri, was arrested soon after, police said. "A committee of senior doctors/officials was constituted on June 23 at Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital to inquire into the matter. As per reports submitted by the medical superintendent (MS) of JPCH, it was revealed through medical examination of the victim that no physical or sexual assault was found," the government statement said. The hospital reports claimed that the woman was found lying unconscious on June 21 in Sonia Vihar. She was brought to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital by Delhi Police and was given proper treatment, the statement said. On June 22, the woman was moved from the casualty ward to the high dependency unit (HDU). She allegedly went missing from the HDU in the wee hours of June 23 and was later found on the hospital premises that afternoon. She was referred to the GTB Hospital on June 23 evening with a diagnosis of suspected poisoning. She passed away the next day during treatment. The statement also stressed that CCTV cameras were functional outside the HDU of JPCH, and as part of the inquiry into the incident, necessary footage was collected and handed over to the investigating officer. "On the basis of the committee findings and CCTV footage, the details of the on-duty nursing officer, sanitation staff and security guard have been shared with the investigating officer on June 25, and further investigation is being carried out by Delhi Police," the statement said. The woman's post-mortem will be conducted at the GTB Hospital after completing the necessary legal procedures. Her body is currently in the mortuary, and her close relatives and acquaintances are being traced, the statement said. Earlier in the day, former Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the government of trying to cover up the incident. "I have never heard of anything like this before that a patient who came to the hospital for treatment was raped and later died. The government made significant efforts to cover up the incident. Government schools and hospitals are deteriorating," Bharadwaj, also the AAP Delhi convener, said. He also claimed that in 2013, a patient was sexually assaulted in the same hospital. "In 2013, during the Congress' tenure, there was a rape incident involving a patient at Delhi's Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, though it did not result in death. The current case signals that the pre-2013 system is returning in Delhi," he charged. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav said the incident "fully exposed the crumbling healthcare system, weak security arrangements in hospitals, and the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi". He also accused the Delhi government of squandering taxpayer money to gloat over its "achievements" of the past 100 days.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi CM inspects slum clusters in north-west Delhi
Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday inspected several slum clusters in northwest Delhi's Shalimar Bagh and other assembly constituencies and inaugurated development projects aimed at improving the living conditions of thousands of residents in Nehru Camp, Haiderpur, and Ekta Camp in Pitampura. Denying claims made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, she also said that no slum will be demolished without first providing permanent housing to its residents. 'No slum will be demolished without providing proper housing to its residents. We will not let anyone spread fear and rumours. FIRs will be filed against those spreading false information about demolitions,' she said. This came even as AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj held meetings on Sunday with residents of JJ clusters in Adarsh Nagar and Model Town, claiming that residents were terrified and unsure when the bulldozers would reach their doorsteps. 'We discussed in depth how the newly elected BJP government in Delhi is demolishing the jhuggis of thousands of downtrodden and working-class families, rendering them way the BJP-led Delhi government is targeting jhuggi settlements one after another, it seems the party does not want poor and working-class people to live in Delhi,' Bhardwaj said. He added that the AAP would protest against the demolitions in JJ clusters of Delhi at Jantar Mantar on June 29 and appeal to the central government to take appropriate action on this issue. Gupta said that most anti-encroachment actions are court-directed and aimed at removing illegal obstructions that affect public movement or traffic. She said that redevelopment of all slums in Delhi will be carried out in a phased manner. 'It is our responsibility to ensure that they enjoy the same facilities as other citizens of the city. Proper sewer lines and drainage systems will be installed to resolve the problems of waterlogging and unhygienic conditions. Continuous supply of clean drinking water, construction and improvement of roads, and adequate street lighting will also be prioritised,' Gupta said. She added that to promote public health and sanitation, community toilets and bathing facilities will be constructed at key public locations, with an emphasis on their regular maintenance. A robust solid waste management system will also be installed and vehicles will be deployed to ensure timely and efficient waste disposal. Gupta also launched several civic works on Sunday, including the construction of Jan Suvidha Kendras, road improvements, drainage upgrades, and the creation of safe recreational spaces for children. Gupta also laid emphasis on sanitation infrastructure, announcing a 24-seater public convenience centre at Nehru Camp, Haiderpur and inspected another proposed 20-seater facility near U and V blocks of the JJ Cluster. 'The Jan Suvidha Kendra at Nehru Camp will directly benefit women, children and senior citizens who have long suffered due to lack of access to safe toilets,' Gupta said. She added that these facilities are critical not only for convenience, but also for public health and dignity. 'This is an important step toward our vision of 'Swachh Delhi, Swasth Delhi',' she said. Accompanied by local MLAs and officials from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Gupta also inaugurated CC pavement work in Ekta Camp, Pitampura. 'For too long, people here have walked through muddy, uneven lanes. These new pavements are not just about roads — they're about restoring dignity and safety,' Gupta said. The CM's inspection also included on-ground reviews of pipeline laying work, road resurfacing, and park maintenance. She promised that clean, well-lit parks equipped with swings and play areas would be created or restored in these densely populated neighbourhoods.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Machines don't work everywhere': CM as PWD posts pics of labourers cleaning drain without safety gear
A social media post put up by the Public Works Department (PWD) on its official X handle on Tuesday, showing labourers waist-deep in a stormwater drain while carrying out desilting work on a road in North West Delhi's Rohini, has triggered criticism from various quarters. In the pictures posted by the PWD, eight labourers were seen at the site. Four of them were inside a drain, scooping out garbage and silt without wearing shirts or proper safety gear like boots, gloves, and masks for protection. Responding to the controversy, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, 'Look, every drain has its own situation. Machines don't work everywhere, and people don't work everywhere either. There may be places where machines can't reach. Right now, the government's target is to ensure that all drains are completely cleaned, and the work is being carried out with full attention to the court's guidelines.' The post, which sparked the row, has now been deleted, and officials said that a PWD junior engineer has been placed under suspension. Lashing out at the ruling party, AAP Delhi convenor Saurabh Bharadwaj tagged the Delhi Police Commissioner in his post on X and alleged that manual scavenging, which is illegal in India, was being carried out at the site. 'The BJP government has always exploited the Dalits and the poor. See how manual scavenging is being done. Legal action should be taken against them @CPDelhi.' As per the PWD post, in which the CM and PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh were also tagged, the labourers were working on Road number 41A, Rohini. When asked about manual scavenging claims, a senior PWD official said that the drains falling under its jurisdiction are stormwater drains where only rainwater enters. 'Manual scavenging is when a worker is entering the sewer, which is filled with human wastes and excreta…But PWD drains are stormwater drains, which only carry out rainwater, and the department uses machines for desilting work. In these areas, machines cannot enter due to narrow lanes. Workers wearing proper safety gear are deployed,' said the official. He said the PWD took cognizance of the pictures posted on its handle and has taken action against the junior engineer of that area. 'We saw that workers were not wearing any safety gear… not even gloves…Seeing the seriousness of the matter, we have placed the JE concerned under suspension and have also issued warning orders to all the engineers in this regard…They have also been asked to ensure that the workers are equipped with proper gear,' said the official. Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks. India banned the practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR). Hundreds of manual scavengers have died in the past decade after inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning sewers and septic tanks. In 2013, the definition of manual scavengers was also broadened to include people employed to clean septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks. The Act recognises manual scavenging as a 'dehumanising practice,' and cites a need to 'correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by the manual scavengers'. However, in Delhi, PWD has been blaming the MCD for the illegal puncturing of stormwater drains over the years, especially during monsoon, when waterlogging occurs. This makes the implementation of the Act difficult, as per officials. PWD manages about 2,100 km of stormwater drains and manages 12,892 small drains spread over around 6,067 km. These merge with big drains like Najafgarh and Barapullah drain, which come under the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC), and as some big drains cannot be tapped, the untreated water eventually flows into Yamuna. As part of the pre-monsoon drive to prevent waterlogging, the desilting work is being carried out by the PWD on a large scale across the city. The department had earlier posted pictures of several other areas like Munirka, Mangolpuri, Safdarjung enclave, Mayur Vihar, IIT Delhi, Lajpat Nagar, Jangpura, New Friends Colony, and several other locations where workers are seen inside the drains cleaning it. Last month, L-G VK Saxena and the CM visited a site in South Delhi's Barapullah where workers were cleaning drains without wearing any safety gear.
