Delhi LG VK Saxena Criticizes AAP Government for Delaying Important Reports
New Delhi [India], August 16: Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has flagged the significant delay by the AAP government in presenting 11 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Delhi Assembly. According to an official release, these reports cover various critical issues such as state finances, pollution mitigation, regulation and supply of liquor, and the performance audit on children in need of care and protection.
The official note stated that some of these reports have been pending since 2022. For instance, the CAG Report on the regulation and supply of liquor in Delhi, covering the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22, was sent to the Delhi Government on March 4, 2024, and has been pending with Finance Minister Atishi Marlena since April 11, 2024.
This delay is particularly concerning in light of the AAP Government’s controversial and failed Excise Policy, which was later scrapped due to allegations of corruption. On July 18, 2024, the Controller of Accounts, GNCTD, informed the LG Secretariat that all the CAG Audit Reports are pending with Finance Minister Atishi Marlena.
LG Saxena has written to Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, urging him to ensure these reports are tabled in the Assembly promptly. He also wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on February 22, 2024, requesting him to advise the Finance Minister to expedite the process.
The official note emphasized that it is a constitutional mandate to present the CAG Reports on state finances and governance performance in Delhi, as per Article 151 of the Constitution and other relevant regulations. By not laying these reports in the Assembly, the Delhi Government is avoiding scrutiny by the Legislative Assembly and the public, undermining democratic accountability.
Previously, other CAG reports, including those on the performance of the Delhi Jal Board and private power discoms, were also delayed by the AAP Government, prompting the LG to raise concerns.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi LG -: Delhi LG stands for Delhi Lieutenant Governor. He is a high-ranking official who represents the central government in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
VK Saxena -: VK Saxena is the current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. He is responsible for overseeing the administration of Delhi along with the elected government.
AAP government -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party. It is a political party in India, and it currently governs Delhi.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) -: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is an important authority in India that audits government expenses and ensures public money is used properly.
Delhi Assembly -: The Delhi Assembly is a group of elected representatives who make laws and decisions for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
pollution mitigation -: Pollution mitigation means taking actions to reduce pollution and make the environment cleaner.
liquor regulation -: Liquor regulation refers to the rules and laws that control the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Arvind Kejriwal -: Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi and a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He is responsible for the administration of Delhi.
democratic accountability -: Democratic accountability means that government officials are responsible for their actions and decisions to the people who elected them.