Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has written to Chief Minister Atishi, expressing concern about the delay in presenting the CAG reports before the assembly. He accused the state administration of purposely hiding the reports from public review.
In a sharply worded letter, Saxena stated that the CAG office had written repeated reminders demanding swift response.
“I am writing to draw your urgent attention to the issue of non-laying of CAG reports on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, which is a crucial part of the constitutional framework of accountability of the government in power,” Saxena wrote.
Highlighting that the reports were not tabled in the assembly on Friday — ”likely to be the last session before elections due in February — Saxena called the delay a “gross constitutional impropriety.” “It is unfortunate that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has consciously chosen not to adhere to this Constitutional norm, thereby avoiding disclosure and public scrutiny of the performance of the government. CAG is mandated to conduct not just an exercise in plain accounting for ensuring financial propriety, but also to evaluate the efficacy of outcomes of public expenditure,” the letter added.
Hon’ble LG, Shri VK Saxena writes to Hon’ble CM, Ms Atishi, requesting her to get various long pending reports of the CAG, tabled in the ongoing session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/gvNgdLIvH5
— Raj Niwas Delhi 🇮🇳 (@RajNiwasDelhi) November 29, 2024
The LG noted that he had raised the issue repeatedly with former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
“I had underscored the importance of this issue to the then chief minister on February 22, 2024, and also to the Speaker on August 9, 2024. The office of the CAG has sent several reminders to my office, requesting urgent action in this regard,” Saxena said.
Saxena expressed disappointment that the CAG reports were not included in the assembly’s agenda, despite the urgency of the matter.
“Even as the assembly reconvenes today — presumably for the last time before the elections — the agenda and the list of businesses so far do not reflect the laying/tabling of CAG reports pertaining to government departments. You also personally hold the portfolio of the finance department, and I am sure you are conscious of your constitutional obligation,” he said.
Saxena also praised Atishi saying, “You are an accomplished public leader with a stellar record of academic qualifications. I am sanguine that you shall heed my counsel and uphold public trust during the ongoing session of the assembly,” he wrote.
According to officials, 12 CAG reports received since June 2022 are yet to be tabled. These reports cover key areas such as state finances, vehicular air pollution prevention, public health infrastructure, liquor regulation, and financial accounts for 2020-21.
Get the latest news updates and stay informed with FELA NEWS!
Source: News18
