Plum post for Ashish Khetan

Though the formation of Delhi Dialogue Commission (DDC) is yet to get the lieutenant-Governor’s assent, the Aam Aadmi Party Government has decided to provide all facilities and remuneration to its vice-chairperson Ashish Khetan on a par with the Ministers of the Government. Khetan, a former journalist, who is considered to be a close confidante of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been working the vice-chairman of Delhi Dialogue Commission — an AAP Government’s think-tank comprising nine members — since the party came to power in Delhi.

“Khetan will be entitled to receive reimbursement of travelling or boarding expenses and remuneration on a par with the Ministers of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi to facilitate him to discharge his function as the vice chairman of DDC full-time,” Chief Minister’s Office said in a Press statement

Ever since the AAP Government took charge, it has been experimenting with engaging all its MlAs in active governance. On February 27, this year, Delhi Cabinet set up its Delhi Dialogue Commission to suggest implementation of 70-point agenda of the AAP Government. Total Budget of DDC is earmarked `50 lakh under non-plan head. The proposal has been approved by Delhi Cabinet.

At a Press briefing on Friday, Khetan confirmed the development saying that the DDC vice-chairman has been extended the “status of a Cabinet Minister”.

However, as per Cabinet note, “the vice-chairperson of DDC may be allowed the entitlement of facilities at par with Delhi Government’s Minister as approved from time to time except pay from the date of inception of DDC.” 

This means that DDC vice-chairperson will receive all the facilities and perks — including Government bungalow, camp office, car, monthly salary, a Minister get. According to sources, the Cabinet has also approved a proposal allowing all invitees or experts in the DDC would be given travel allowances. Their accommodation arrangement would be made at State guest houses like Delhi Agriculture Marketing Board, Rajendra Place and Maulana Azad Medical College at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. In case it is not possible to provide them accommodation at these guest houses for any reason, reimbursement of accommodation in three-star hotel may be given. The non-official members of the DDC gets travelling allowance or dearness allowance as per Government norms applicable to the secretary to the Delhi Government.

The Planning Department in its comment has made it clear no guidelines/directions seem to be issued on this so far. General Administration Department has to take a view on this since it is involved with all administrative matters of Ministers and MlAs.