Tracking AAP government decisions and actions till proving majority

For all the skepticism heaped at Aam Aadmi Party, they seem to have rolled up their sleeves and got to work in Delhi. I am tracking the decisions they make in the ten days after swearing in to them proving majority in the Assembly here.

I suspect it will be interesting to refer back to later.

This page is a live blog and will refresh with updates.

Aam Aadmi Party, the minority government won the trust vote. Enough said. No more updates unless I have missed something that was done before this.

Delhi government today announced a series of measures to provide roof to the homeless in biting cold sweeping the city and decided to replace all night shelters being run from plastic tents with porta cabins.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also directed SDMs to conduct inspections in their respective areas during night hours and ensure night shelters are being run properly. SDMs have also been asked to prepare a list of areas, where night shelters are required, by January 4 morning.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government today decided to simplify filing of the Value Added Tax (VAT) by the traders which has been a long standing demand by various traders’ associations of the city. He also announced extending the date to file the Form AR1 by the traders till January 31. Every registered dealer is required to get his accounts audited as per Delhi VAT Act and need to furnish audit report in Form AR1. In its election manifesto the AAP had promised to simplify the VAT tax system.

Those who consume 0 to 200 units or 201 to 400 units of electricity, their rates will be halved. ~ Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi government has announced the audits of BSES Yamuna, BSES Delhi and NDPL. Right on schedule. CAG has agreed. On a humorous note, comments on Twitter imply that some reporters outside CAG office have no idea what an audit means, but are reporting excitedly anyway.

Transport Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday issued orders to release 5,500 inter-state permits for auto-rickshaws to travel within the National Capital Region territory. “Many people face probelms while commuting from Delhi to Gurgaon, Noida and other NCR regions. Autos and buses are not available in large numbers and the cabs are too expensive. So, we have decided to issue 5,500 inter-state permits for auto-rickshaws to travel within the NCR and this will be implemented soon,” Bharadwaj said.

Manish Sisodia cancelled the primary teacher’s exam after reports of the question paper being leaked.

Fulfilling its poll promise, the Aam Aadmi Party government today announced 667 litres of free water daily for domestic consumption to each household having metered connection in Delhi. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Delhi Jal Board chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence here in Kausambi. “All the domestic consumers having metered connection will get 20 kilolitres of water free of cost from January 1. We will not even levy any existing charges such as water cess and sewerage charge,” newly-appointed Delhi jal Board CEO Vijay Kumar told reporters. He, however, said if the consumption limit crosses 20 kilolitres, then the consumer will have to pay for the water and other charges.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal granted Rs one crore financial assistance to the family of a Delhi Police constable Vinod Kumar who was on deputation with the State Excise Department team and was beaten to death by suspected liquor mafia in Ghitorni area of South Delhi last week while on a raid.

In a letter to Sabita, wife of deceased Vinod Kumar, Kejriwal said the government will provide all possible help to the family besides the compensation. “It is unfortunate that the police officials have to sacrifice their lives in line of duty due to systemic failures. We are with you in this moment of grief,” Kejriwal wrote in the letter.

Within hours of swearing in. Debashree Mukherjee from Chief of Delhi Jal Board to Chief Managing Director of Delhi Transport Corporation. Vijay Kumar has been made the new CEO of Delhi Jal Board. Power Secretary RK Verma, who is also the CMD of Delhi Transco Ltd and Chairman of Pragati Power Corporation Ltd, has been shifted as the Principal Secretary of Higher Education and Principal Secretary, Training and Technical Education. Transport Secretary Puneet Goel has been transferred as the Power Secretary. Principal Secretary-cum-Commissioner in the Development Department, Arvind Ray, will hold additional charge in the transport department. Delhi Finance Secretary and Principal Secretary to former CM Sheila Dikshit MM Kutty has been transferred as Principal Secretary in the Social Welfare and Women and Child Development department. Home secretary Archana Arora has been given additional charge of Finance Department. Higher Education Secretary Rajendra Kumar has been made Secretary to the chief minister. Reports say 9, but this list is 8. Also they have been transferred, not removed, as some tweets from news channels implied.