Former IAS officer Najeeb Jung took the oath as Delhi’s 20th lieutenant Governor on Tuesday. Jung was administered the oath of office and secrecy by acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Badar Durrez Ahmed. The oath taking ceremony was organised at Raj Niwas and was attended by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, her ministerial colleagues and other top brass of Delhi Government and police.
Jung took the oath only after his warrant of appointment issued by President Pranab Mukherjee was read out to the public. His relatives and friends were also present during the event to witness the ceremony. On asking to comment on his new assignment, Jung refused to speak to the media saying he will talk after one week. “I will not speak today. I will talk to you after one week,” he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony.
Dikshit who was also present, said, “We have a good understanding and I am sure we will work together cohesively to make the city a better and safe place for Delhiites.” Former l-G Tejendra Khanna also did not have a very cordial relationship with the Chief Minister as both were at loggerheads on a wide range of issues. In the function, Dikshit further talked about the Food Security Bill and looked extremely elated about it being first implemented in the national Capital.
Apart from being the administrative head of the Delhi Government, 62-year-old Jung, will also be in-charge of Delhi Police and Delhi Development Authority. He has taken over as new l-G of Delhi at a time when the Capital is grappling with a range of challenges including safety of women, regularisation of unauthorised colonies and crawling infrastructure.
After being appointed as lt Governor, Jung said that improving law and order situation and ensuring better security for women will be his priority. Jung said that he will adopt a zero tolerance policy towards crime against women. Meanwhile, his appointment has come just five months before the Capital goes to Assembly polls.