MLAs from parched areas to get a seat in Delhi Jal Board

In a bid to ensure areas facing water crisis get representation in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi government is likely to appoint three MLAs in the water utility.

In a bid to ensure areas facing water crisis get representation in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi government is likely to appoint three MLAs in the water utility.

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Kapil Mishra, MLA from Karawal Nagar, is likely to be appointed as the vice-chairman. Prakash Larwal, MLA from Deoli, and Ritu Raj, MLA from Kirari, will be the members, sources said.

“We have selected them as the three constituencies are facing a water crisis. They understand the problem and know how to plan for the rest of Delhi. They will send suggestions and will be part of DJB’s decision-making process,” said a Delhi government official requesting anonymity.

Nomally, the chief minister is the DJB chairman. But since Arvind Kejriwal has not kept any portfolio with him, deputy CM Manish Sisodia has been appointed as the chairman. The initial role of the MLAs would be to implement the free water promise and to connect entire Delhi with the pipeline network.

An AAP leader said the party wants to ensure every MLA gets some work. Final lists with the names of many more committees and their members will be announced soon.

“MLAs will be appointed as members in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the party will also appoint parliamentary secretaries. The party is looking at the option of placing some MLAs in boards and commissions such as Waqf board, minority commission and women commission,” the party leader said.

At least 15 MLAs will work closely with the six ministers as AAP wants to groom the legislators and give them exposure to administrative work to build a second line of leadership.

Apart from the MLAs, former journalist Ashish Khetan and lead researcher Roshan Shankar, who were part of AAP’s pre-election reach-out campaign Delhi Dialogue to prepare the party’s 70-point manifesto, are working on the implementation of various government policies from the Delhi secretariat.