Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed concern over a “serious constitutional crisis” in the capital city, as officers claimed they were being influenced by the BJP and refusing to work. Kejriwal highlighted that the proposed ‘one-time settlement’ scheme to address inflated water bills was being obstructed by these officers. During a session in the Delhi Assembly, he urged Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena to intervene and ensure the implementation of the scheme.
Kejriwal also emphasized that if the scheme was not promptly executed, a large-scale protest would be initiated. He further accused the BJP-controlled bureaucracy of hindering various other initiatives, such as Mohalla Clinics, CCTVs, hospital medicines, the ‘Farishtey’ scheme, and DTC pensions. No immediate response has been received from the officers involved regarding the allegations.
Kejriwal, who also serves as the AAP convener, emphasized that in any other state, officers who obstruct the implementation of a scheme would be promptly suspended.
Kejriwal expressed his belief that despite being only half a state, Delhi is not even 5 per cent of a state. He stated that if Delhi were a full state, no officer would have dared to defy orders from the chief minister or ministers, as they would have faced immediate suspension.
He highlighted a “serious constitutional crisis” in Delhi, where officers have refused to work as per their written statements. Kejriwal questioned the sustainability of the government if officers do not fulfill their duties, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the functioning of the government.
Furthermore, Kejriwal accused the BJP of finding joy in the suffering of the people of Delhi, alleging that the party aims to undermine the city.
Kejriwal urged Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri to prioritize the welfare of the people over politics and collaborate with the LG to ensure the passage of the scheme.
The chief minister stated, “You will receive full credit. I will proclaim loudly from the pinnacle of the Red Fort that the BJP members have accomplished this, vote for the BJP members. You are doing this solely for the sake of votes. (I am aware) there is no other motive, gather the votes. We do not desire votes.”
Previously, Bidhuri accused the government of sending inflated bills initially and then announcing a waiver scheme. Bidhuri also questioned the government’s commitment to implementing the ‘one time settlement’ scheme.
“While a calling attention motion has been presented in the assembly regarding this matter, the concerned minister and DJB chairperson Atishi are absent from the House. The truth is that the government itself has no intention of settling the bills,” Bidhuri alleged, questioning how inflated bills were sent to consumers in the first place.
Kejriwal mentioned that there are approximately 27 lakh consumers of DJB, out of which over 10 lakh (40 percent of consumers) are not paying their water bills.
“Bribery is widespread in order to rectify bills. The main reason for pending bills is that during Covid-19, meter readers did not take readings of water meters for several months…many bills were not generated, and if bills were generated, they were based on average estimates. Fake readings were also recorded,” he stated.
Kejriwal criticized the BJP, blaming its leaders for the current situation and stated, “This is why they find themselves in such a predicament, sometimes winning three seats in the Assembly and sometimes eight.”
Kejriwal mentioned that the ‘one time settlement’ scheme was approved by DJB in June 2023, but the officials have “refused” to enforce it.
According to Kejriwal, the officers claimed that they were being threatened with suspension, termination, imprisonment, and investigation by ED and CBI if they implemented the scheme for the people of Delhi. He stated that the officers were willing to resign from their positions rather than pass the scheme.
A resolution was passed by the Delhi Assembly through a voice vote presented by AAP MLA Rajendra Pal Gautam regarding the issue.
The resolution stated that the opposition party BJP, which has direct influence over the officers, is pressuring them to obstruct the implementation of a much-needed and pro-public scheme for their own political gains.
It was mentioned in the resolution that DJB has given approval to the scheme, which would adjust water bills based on a minimum of 2 ‘OK’ water meter readings.
The resolution highlighted that this scheme would provide relief to the people of Delhi and generate revenue for the Board.