Firing a fresh salvo at the Centre, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has alleged lt Governor Najeeb Jung was “stalling” the clearance of minimum wages file “at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” who does not want it implemented in Delhi.
“Our Cabinet cleared the proposal for the hike last month and it was sent to the l-G a week later, but he is sitting on that file for the last eight days. Our labour Minister (Gopal Rai) has sought appointment with him to discuss it, but in vain,” Kejriwal said.
Addressing a well attended event — ‘Shramik Samvad’ (dialogue with workers) at Talkatora Stadium of labourers, Delhi Transport Corporation drivers and conductors, sanitation workers and security personnel, the Delhi Chief Minister asserted that “his Government won’t relent on this issue. And, if the Centre was hell bent on stopping us from implementing the norm, then we ware doubly determined to have it implemented.”
“Friends, we came to power with your support. And, as promised, we have done our bit, but the l-G is stalling it. And, as I have learned, Modiji has asked him to do so as he (PM) does not want the minimum wage norm to be implemented in Delhi,” he alleged.
“So, now you all also have to fight this battle, and if you want your wages to be increased, then you should lodge your protest and ask the l-G and the PM as to why is it not being implemented. You should rise and make Modiji feel that if this is not implemented he would not become PM in 2019. He doesn’t fear me but you, the masses (the voters),” Kejriwal said.
The AAP Government has also claimed that if implemented Delhi’s minimum wages would be the highest given by any State Government, but the “l-G is not willing”. “I agree sir. Pl ask ur lG to clear minimum wage file pending wid him for many days,” Kejriwal also tweeted.