Latest news with #DelhiAssembly
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Delhi Assembly Speaker calls PAC and CAG 'watchdogs of democracy'
New Delhi: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has highlighted the critical role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in maintaining transparency and accountability in governance. He described both institutions as essential tools that function like warning systems for the government, urging them to act and stay accountable. Gupta made these remarks during an interaction with members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly's Public Accounts Committee, who visited the Delhi Assembly as part of a study tour from July 12 to 14, 2025, which also included stops in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Welcoming the delegation at the Assembly premises, Gupta commended the visiting legislators for their commitment to inter-legislative dialogue and knowledge-sharing. The Meghalaya delegation included PAC chairperson Charles Pyngrope, along with members Lahkmen Rymbui, Gavin Miguel Mylliem, Rupert Momin, Rupa M. Marak, Sengchim N. Sangma, Jimmy D. Sangma, Ian Botham K. Sangma, and Balajied Kupar Synrem. Their visit aimed to exchange ideas and learn from best practices in other state legislatures. During the meeting, Gupta inquired about Meghalaya's demographic profile and the structure of its Public Accounts Committee. Pyngrope explained that Meghalaya was a matrilineal state, primarily inhabited by the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes. He also shared that the state was governed in part by autonomous district councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which are designed to protect tribal interests. The PAC in Meghalaya consists of 10 members, including a chairperson who is typically chosen from the Opposition to ensure a balanced oversight mechanism. Gupta also introduced the delegation to Delhi Assembly's Audit Para Monitoring System, a digital tool designed to enhance financial accountability by systematically tracking audit observations. The Meghalaya legislators appreciated the system and shared insights into their own procedures for financial oversight. They also discussed potential strategies for making legislative committees more effective and responsive. Vice Chairperson of the Delhi Assembly Mohan Singh Bisht and PAC chairperson Ajay Mahawar were also present during the session, which concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen legislative scrutiny and promote better governance through informed collaboration between state assemblies.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
BJP govt has set its sights on demolishing jhuggis in Nangli Dairy: Atishi
AAP leader and former Delhi chief minister, Atishi, on Saturday said that the BJP government has started preparations to demolish jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) clusters in Nangli Dairy, just months after razing Madrasi Camp, Jailerwala Bagh, and Bhoomiheen Camp. Speaking to mediapersons, Atishi said, 'Ahead of elections, BJP leaders conducted symbolic stays in jhuggi-jhopri clusters, shared meals with residents, played ludo and carrom with children, and distributed 'Jhuggi ke sthaan par pakka makaan' cards.' 'While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly claimed that not a single slum would be demolished in Delhi… the moment Delhi elections were over and the BJP came to power, they began tearing down the homes of the poor. The very jhuggis where they made promises are now the first to face bulldozers,' she added. Atishi, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, said the BJP government is now preparing to demolish slums in Nangli Dairy. 'Two days ago, the BJP-run MCD pasted demolition notices on homes in the cluster, which has 250-300 jhuggis. Residents have been labelled 'encroachers' and warned that unless they submit documents within five days, their homes will be demolished,' she added. Maintaining that AAP stands firmly with the poor, Atishi said, 'Whether it's in court, at the MCD, in the Delhi Assembly or out on the streets, AAP will fight shoulder to shoulder with jhuggi dwellers. We will not allow the BJP to demolish these homes.'
Hans India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
Atishi urges CM to pass law to protect old vehicles
Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Atishi on Friday wrote to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urging her to bring a law to protect 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles from being scrapped, warning that the proposed blanket ban would adversely impact at least 60 lakh vehicle owners in the city. In her letter, Atishi said, "Even though the plan that started on July 1 was rolled back after a public backlash, now another deadline of November 1 looms over residents. If implemented, this decision will affect around 20 lakh four-wheelers and 40 lakh two-wheelers in Delhi." She criticised the government's approach, saying that for Delhi's middle-class families, owning a car is an aspirational milestone. "Many people purchase second-hand vehicles or retain older cars for personal and family use. Removing 60 lakh vehicles in one go will severely impact their lives. Affording a new vehicle is not a viable option for most," the AAP leader said. The former CM also questioned the logic of using vehicle age as the sole criterion for scrapping. 'There might be cars that are just 3-4 years old but are polluting, and others that are 10-12 years old but well-maintained. A blanket ban is illogical and only benefits car manufacturers and scrappers,' she said. While acknowledging the need to address pollution, Atishi said that enforcing a blanket ban is not the solution and called for a legislative route instead. She urged the BJP-led Delhi government to convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha to debate and pass a bill protecting end-of-life vehicles.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Atishi urges Delhi CM to pass law to protect old vehicles, warns of impact on 60 lakh owners
Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Atishi on Friday wrote to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urging her to bring a law to protect 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles from being scrapped, warning that the proposed blanket ban would adversely impact at least 60 lakh vehicle owners in the city. In her letter, Atishi said, "Even though the plan that started on July 1 was rolled back after a public backlash, now another deadline of November 1 looms over residents. If implemented, this decision will affect around 20 lakh four-wheelers and 40 lakh two-wheelers in Delhi." She criticised the government's approach, saying that for Delhi's middle-class families, owning a car is an aspirational milestone. "Many people purchase second-hand vehicles or retain older cars for personal and family use. Removing 60 lakh vehicles in one go will severely impact their lives. Affording a new vehicle is not a viable option for most," the AAP leader said. The former CM also questioned the logic of using vehicle age as the sole criterion for scrapping. 'There might be cars that are just 3-4 years old but are polluting, and others that are 10-12 years old but well-maintained. A blanket ban is illogical and only benefits car manufacturers and scrappers,' she said. While acknowledging the need to address pollution, Atishi said that enforcing a blanket ban is not the solution and called for a legislative route instead. She urged the BJP-led Delhi government to convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha to debate and pass a bill protecting end-of-life vehicles. She also assured full support from the Aam Aadmi Party in passing such a bill. "Now that the BJP is in power in both the Centre and the state, the bill can be passed in days if there is political will." The Delhi government begun impounding overage vehicles at petrol pumps from July 1, in compliance with the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) order. Petrol pumps were instructed not to provide fuel to vehicles older than 10 years (diesel) and 15 years (petrol) under directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). However, the Delhi government later on July 3 wrote to the CAQM, citing technological and administrative challenges in implementing the fuel ban. Following a review meeting, the CAQM put the enforcement on hold until November 1 and announced that the campaign would be launched across Delhi and five adjoining high-vehicle-density districts — Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Sonipat — from that date.
New Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Delhi speaker demands apology from Congress chief over lavish bungalow allegations
NEW DELHI: Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday sought an unconditional apology from Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav, who alleged that more than Rs 2.35 crore had been spent on the Speaker's official residence, bungalow No. 9, Shamnath Marg, including Rs 94.69 lakh solely on the renovation of toilets and bathrooms. In a letter, Gupta stated, 'Regarding your statement alleging exorbitant expenses on the renovation of the Speaker's residence, in which you mentioned that Rs 2.35 crore was spent, including Rs 94.69 lakh on bathrooms and toilets, it is reported that you even referred to the Speaker's residence as 'Shauch Mahal'. You also mentioned the location as 9, Shamnath Marg, which is not the official residence of the Speaker.' The letter further said that the Speaker condemned and completely denied these claims. He added that such statements made to the media without verifying facts should be avoided. 'He has directed me to inform you that you must withdraw your statements and submit an unconditional written apology to him within three days of receiving this letter. He further emphasised that, as a former Member of the Delhi Assembly, you should uphold the dignity of the Speaker's office and not use it for political point-scoring,' the letter added. The Delhi Congress chief had earlier accused BJP leaders of misusing taxpayers' money for a lavish lifestyle, while Delhi residents face unbearable heat, frequent power cuts, and a shortage of drinking water. Yadav claimed the ruling leaders' royal lifestyle is being funded by public money, dubbing the Speaker's bungalow as 'Shauch Mahal,' much like he previously called CM Rekha Gupta's residence 'Phoolkumari Niwas.' Yadav also alleged the use of costly tiles, showers, fittings, and basins, with Rs 94.93 lakh spent on electrical work and Rs 44.82 lakh on other beautification and repairs.
