Kejriwal Govt's pro-people moves on day 1: No demolitions, slashing power tariffs and free water

New Delhi, Feb 17: On the first working day of his government, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet ordered steps to complete their poll promises which included slashing power tariffs, provide free water and to stop demolition in the national capital.

Taking the first step towards slashing power tariff by 50 per cent, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government directed finance and power departments to immediately send their proposals for its implementation.

The decision was taken in the first cabinet meeting of the AAP government chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Kejriwal-led government has also directed the Delhi Jal Board to prepare a proposal on providing free water up to 20,000 litres to every household per month.

Slashing power tariff by half and providing free water were key pre-poll promises made by AAP in the Assembly elections which they won with a landslide majority.

"CM Kejriwal today directed the finance and power departments to immediately send their proposals to him for implementation of the election promises to slash the electricity tariffs by 50 per cent till the audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of the private power companies (discoms) is completed," said a senior official.

In the cabinet meeting, it was also decided to recommend that the first session of the newly-elected Delhi Assembly be held on February 23 and 24 for swearing-in of new MLAs and election of the speaker and deputy speaker.

Orders to halt demolition of houses, JJs in Delhi

Residential houses and shanties in the capital will not be razed till the new Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government reviews the existing demolition policies.

In the Assembly poll, the Aam Aadmi Party had promised that no demolition would be carried out in the city if it came to power.

"Government has decided to take a holistic view on the existing policy of carrying out demolitions of houses in residential areas and jhuggies," a senior government official said.

He also said that in case any demolition has already been planned or is in the pipeline, the agency concerned will have to seek prior approval of the urban development minister. However, the official clarified that this order will not apply to action taken in pursuance of courts orders.

The decision comes a day after a group of around 20 slum dwellers protested outside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's house in Uttar Pradesh over demolition of their shanties.

"The government has issued directions to all the civic agencies, the Delhi Jal Board, the environment and forests and revenue departments, among others, not to carry out any demolition till this review is completed," said a government official.

Delhi has some 18 lakh slum dwellers.

In case any demolition has already been planned or is in the pipeline, the agency concerned shall seek prior approval of the urban development minister. This order will not apply to action taken in pursuance of court orders.

The government intends to complete this review at the earliest, the official added.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)