Shrugging off all prejudices and aspersions, the Delhi government has been working very hard to bring about a perceptible difference in the national Capital and fulfill its poll promises slowly but steadily.
In another important move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has instructed his ministers and heads of various departments to explain the progress of development works in the city. He has sought a detailed presentation from each of the departments over the next one week, beginning from Friday. The direction to this effect has been issued by Rajendra Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister on Thursday to the respective departments.
The CM’s Office has asked as many as 21 departments including home, vigilance, power, trade and taxes, general administration, revenue, excise and information and technology among others.
Sources said that this measure has come about to explore the new sources of revenue generation of the government as implementation of AAP’s key poll promises involve require huge expenses.
“Presentation by all departments is scheduled in the CM’s office. All the concerned HoDs are requested to come with detailed information. All ministers, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Finance), Secretary to Chief Minister and Director (Planning) will be present during the review meeting,” said the circular issued by the CM’s Office. The circular has also directed the head of departments to provide a copy of their presentation to the concerned ministers a day before the presentation to the Chief Minister.
The sources further added that during the review meeting, the government is likely to assess the financial condition arising due to power and water subsidies announced earlier.
The two subsidies would cost the Delhi government approximately Rs 1,600 crore and to make up for this revenue gap, the government is exploring new sources of revenue generation particularly from the excise and trade and taxes departments. “With the approaching summer season, the government is focusing on power and water sectors. While uninterrupted power and water supplies will be a huge challenge to the government, it has to ensure that monetary issues do not create hindrances in continuous supply of power and water during the summer months,” said a government official.