Delhi Lt Governor Writes to Arvind Kejriwal, Accuses AAP of ‘Stalling Budget’
By [Errraand News], [Date:-26/02/2024]
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has penned a scathing letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, raising concerns over the delay in presenting the Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The accusation comes amidst a growing rift between the Lieutenant Governor and the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government over administrative matters.
In his letter, Saxena underscored the importance of timely financial planning, emphasizing the citizens’ right to know how public funds are being utilized. He expressed disappointment over the alleged obstruction in the budgetary process, which he deemed unnecessary.
The delay in presenting the budget has extended the Budget session in Delhi until the first week of March, causing frustration among officials and citizens alike. Despite the Annual Financial Statement being ready and cleared by the Government of India since February 19, it has yet to be presented to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for approval.
Delhi Finance Minister Atishi confirmed the submission of the budget to her office around February 20, following approval from President Droupadi Murmu. However, the Lieutenant Governor pointed out a mysterious delay at the level of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), leaving the budgetary process in limbo.
In response to the allegations, the AAP government assured that the budget is “en route” to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for approval. They cited the meticulous scrutiny required at a micro level for a document of such significance, attributing the delay to due diligence.
VK Saxena’s letter to Arvind Kejriwal stressed the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, urging the Chief Minister to expedite the process during the ongoing Budget Session. He emphasized the necessity of promptly laying, discussing, and passing the Annual Financial Statement in the Assembly for the benefit of Delhi’s populace.
This recent clash adds to the tension between the Lieutenant Governor and the AAP government. Earlier, Saxena had sought the expeditious processing of five Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, highlighting the constitutional importance of their impartial assessment of the government’s performance.
The standoff between the Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi government underscores deeper political and administrative differences, potentially affecting governance in the national capital.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):Delhi Lt Governor Writes to Arvind Kejriwal, Accuses AAP of ‘Stalling Budget’
Q: Why is there a delay in presenting the Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Delhi? A: The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena, has accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led government of stalling the Budget process unnecessarily. Despite the Annual Financial Statement being ready since February 19 and cleared by the Government of India, it has yet to be presented to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for approval.
Q: What is the response from the AAP government regarding the delay? A: The AAP government has responded by stating that the budget is “en route” to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for approval. They cited the meticulous scrutiny required at a micro level for a document of such significance, attributing the delay to due diligence.
Q: What action has the Lieutenant Governor taken regarding this delay? A: VK Saxena has penned a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, expressing disappointment over the alleged obstruction in the budgetary process. He stressed the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, urging the Chief Minister to expedite the process during the ongoing Budget Session.
Q: How does this clash between the Lieutenant Governor and the AAP government affect governance in Delhi? A: This recent clash adds to the tension between the Lieutenant Governor and the AAP government, potentially affecting governance in the national capital. It highlights deeper political and administrative differences between the two entities, which could impact decision-making and administrative processes in Delhi.