Break over, CM Kejriwal has a busy day in office

Returning after a 10-day naturopathy treatment in Bengaluru for his cough and diabetes, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal spent a busy day at work on Tuesday.

Returning after a 10-day naturopathy treatment in Bengaluru for his cough and diabetes, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal spent a busy day at work on Tuesday.

The chief minister met his cabinet colleagues, saw detailed presentations by ministers on one-month of AAP government in Delhi and their plans for the year. Kejriwal also reviewed the status of the anti-corruption helpline, which is likely to be launched in the first week of April.

“He reviewed various ongoing projects and was briefed about the power department’s summer action plan. Various officers who joined in his absence, including chief secretary KK Sharma, met him today,” said a Delhi government official.

Kejriwal was briefed about the cabinet’s decision to amend the VAT (Value Added Tax) Act to allow carry forward of the input tax credit for traders.

“He was told that the vote on account session will be held on March 24 and 25 where the budget for three months will be allocated. He is likely to call a cabinet meeting before the session in which few more decisions of public interest are likely to be cleared,” the official added.

The ministers told him about the release of old-age pension by expediting the verification work and the decision to give more powers to sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to conduct random checks inside buses to ensure women are not harassed.

The chief minister was told that soon marshals will be deployed inside buses from 6pm to midnight to ensure the safety of women.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has released two officers of the state services to work with the Delhi government. Government sources said Kapil Singh, city magistrate of Ghaziabad and Praveen Mishra, ADM of Moradabad, joined the Delhi government on Tuesday and met Kejriwal.

“We had asked for these two officers after checking their credentials. They will be associated with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and are likely to work with the anti-corruption branch. Last time too, the AAP government had asked for officers from the Bihar government. We have placed a request for a few more officers from other states and they will join soon,” said a Delhi government official.Both the officers were reportedly handpicked by Kejriwal.