New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that the Lt Governor has cancelled the AAP government’s order to make discoms pay compensation to consumers for unscheduled power cuts, alleging that the Centre was hand-in-glove with power companies.
Addressing a gathering at North West Delhi’s Najafgarh area, he expressed apprehension that the LG may also turn down the government’s power-subsidy decision and minimum wages proposal.
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) had in April passed an order, asking power distribution companies to compensate consumers for unscheduled power cuts extending up to two hours in the national capital.
“We had passed an order under which discoms would have to compensate consumers for unscheduled power cuts. They were bound to pay a penalty of Rs 100 for power cut for every hour.
“15 days ago, LG sahab called the file pertaining to this matter and cancelled this order. (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi is hand-in-glove with power companies. Why Modi ji needed to turn down this order?” Kejriwal said.
He said that by this order, the power situation would have been better in Delhi but Modi has not let that happen.
He had also claimed yesterday that LG Najeeb Jung has sought the file related to power subsidy on the instructions of the Prime Minister, even as he cautioned against a hike in power tariff in the city.
The Delhi chief minister has also expressed apprehension that his government’s proposal to increase minimum wages by up to 50 per cent could be shot down by Jung.
He asked the people to “gherao the Prime Minister and Lt Governor” if any a such step is taken.
During the function, some people showed black flags Kejriwal. Protesters alleged that AAP has failed to deliver its poll promises which includes installation of CCTV cameras, construction of 500 new school buildings, Wi-fi and regular jobs for contractual employees of DTC.
Kejriwal also accused the Centre of not clearing the Delhi government’s proposal to regularise hundreds of unauthorised colonies in the capital.
He said if the proposal is approved, such colonies will be regularised within 24 hours.
“We cannot wait for Modi ji’s nod. I have directed my ministers to carry out development works in all unauthorised colonies which include construction of roads and laying of water pipelines,” he said.
The chief minister said officials involved in flagship projects of the AAP government, such as mohalla clinics and construction of school buildings, were being transferred by the LG next month.
“The way the Centre is creating hurdles, it has never happened in the India’s history. I and (Deputy Chief Minister) Manish Sisodia had requested the LG not to transfer officers involved in projects to set up mohalla clinics and construction of school buildings till March 31, but these officers are being transferred next month.
“I appeal to people of Delhi to ensure that BJP, which got three seats, doesn’t win even a single seat in the next Assembly election,” he said.
PTI