The Arvind Kejriwal Government could not convene even a single Expenditure and Finance Committee (EFC) meeting in the first one month after taking charge on February 14.
Normally any project having cost expenditure of Rs10 crore and more is forwarded to EFC headed by Finance Minister for approval. If cost expenditure goes beyond Rs50 crore and above then EFC approval from Chief Minister is mandatory.
The Arvind Kejriwal Government has failed to initiate even one project of Rs10 crore or more and therefore no EFC meeting has been convened till date. In fact, first Head of Departments (HoDs) and Secretaries level meeting is being held by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Chief Secretary KK Sharma to review the functioning of the departments on Thursday.
It is noted that even in the absence of elected Government in Delhi under the Presidents’ Rule, three meetings of EFC had been convened and approved several projects including construction of several senior secondary level schools, court premises at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg and NCC headquarters building at Rohini.
Top sources told The Pioneer that each and every project needs to get approval from EFC. “The Government has not convened a single EFC meeting on any issues/project till date. It is an irony the AAP Government has promised to open 500 new schools, 20 new colleges in the national Capital during Assembly polls.
This means opening of eight schools and 50 playgrounds every month and one new college every three months are among a few major tasks that the AAP Government would be bound to deliver in the next five years,” said official on the condition of anonymity, adding that the Government’s main focus is on providing subsidy on power and water instead of infrastructure.
“Besides, no new buses have been added to Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) from the last two years. After the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order to stop registering of vehicles in Delhi, that is 15 years old, the Capital needs 1,500 new buses immediately. But this Government seems to be not serious to improve public transport system here,” said officials.
During the Presidents’ Rule, the EFC has given its nod for construction of three buildings of senior secondary schools at Sector 5 Dwarka, Sector 3 Dwarka and Sector 21 Rohini with total estimated cost of Rs51 crore. The EFC has also approved a project of the Industries department for re-development and up-gradation of roads and drains at lawrence Road Industrial Area, Block A, B & C at an estimated cost of Rs30.97 crore.