The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi Government has forwarded former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea to allow him to stay at the official accommodation at Tilak lane till July to the lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought an extension to stay at his Tilak lane residence till his daughter’s examination gets over by May.
The PWD had sent a letter to Kejriwal asking him to vacate the house with immediate effect as he had already crossed the 15-day deadline till which a Minister can stay in his official residence after demitting the office. Kejriwal had resigned from the CM’s post on February 14 and ideally should have vacated the house by March 1. The PWD sent the letter to Kejriwal after the Urban Development Ministry had sent a notice to the Delhi Government to return C-II/23 flat at Tilak lane, which had been allotted to Kejriwal while he was in office.
The PWD had not issued a notice to Kejriwal till March 8, more than a week after the expiry of 15-day grace period, probably fearing that if the same Government comes to power, it may create trouble for the concerned officials. After 15 days, Ministers can choose to stay in the official residence for a maximum of six months, but are required to pay rent much higher than market rates. In this case where Kejriwal wishes to extend his stay at the present location, he may have to pay 65 times more, which amounts to Rs2.58 lakh per month.
Kejriwal, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, said his daughter is appearing for her exams and as they had shifted just days ago, it was pretty hard for his wife and parents. “One of the options is that we keep staying here for 15 days, and then pay the market rent for the next two-three months,” he said, and added, “My wife (a senior Indian Revenue Services officer) is due for a promotion in a month and will become a Commissioner. This house is in the similar category of houses that she would be entitled to. She may apply for the same house after her promotion. If not, we’ll look for a house elsewhere.”