Delhi Assembly's four-day winter session commenced on Monday. The LG provided a detailed account of the government's achievements in health, education, transport, and air pollution. The opposition criticized AQI monitoring and pollution control measures.
Winter Session: The four-day winter session of the Delhi Assembly began on Monday. Key issues such as air pollution, education, health, and review of government schemes are likely to be debated during this session. The Lieutenant Governor (LG) delivered an address outlining the Delhi government's achievements to date and future plans.
Government Achievements in the LG's Address
In his opening address to the Assembly session, the LG stated that 13 percent of the total expenditure in the health sector is being allocated. He informed the assembly that the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been implemented in Delhi, and 6 lakh 72 thousand cards have been issued so far. Under this scheme, 188 hospitals have been empanelled, and 19 thousand people have benefited from it.
Several initiatives have also been taken in the education sector. The LG stated that the government has introduced a bill to curb arbitrary fees in schools. Additionally, 150 APJ Abdul Kalam laboratories are being established, and classes 9th to 12th are being digitized. 175 IT labs are also being set up in schools.
In the transport and environment sector, the Delhi government has begun operating 3535 electric buses. Simultaneously, work is underway on a plan to build 36,000 charging stations. In the area of road renewal, the government has renovated 150 kilometers of road in a short period.
Discussion on Air Pollution and Health
A debate on the issue of air pollution is also expected during the session. The LG stated that the problem of pollution in Delhi is serious and that several initiatives have been taken to reduce it. He assessed previous measures and their effectiveness, stating that all measures need to be made more effective.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated in the Assembly that the purpose of the session is to review policy and delivery. She urged all MLAs to participate in discussions on important issues such as pollution, health, and education and to cooperate in finding better solutions for the people of Delhi.
Criticism from the Leader of the Opposition
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and AAP leader Atishi severely criticized the Delhi government on the issue of air pollution. She stated that the people of Delhi have been unable to breathe for the past four months, and the health of children and the elderly is being seriously affected. Atishi alleged that the Delhi government is manipulating AQI monitoring and that the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is not being implemented correctly.
Atishi stated that the people of Delhi are forced to breathe wearing masks today and, along with all AAP MLAs, staged a protest in the Assembly wearing masks, targeting the BJP. She said this reflects a weakness in the government's policies and a disregard for the public.
Three CAG Reports to be Presented
The government will also present three CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) reports during this session. These reports will cover the expenditure on the reconstructed bungalow during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure as Chief Minister, the functioning of the Delhi Jal Board, and the universities operated by the Delhi government. Extensive discussions are expected on these reports in the Assembly.
