Arvind Kejriwal, ministers set new example of austerity in governance

NEW DELHI: Delhi's new Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his six ministers have decided not to stay in any government bungalow but instead live in modest flats, setting an unprecedented example of austerity in governance.

A former revenue service official, Kejriwal, who lives in a society flat in Kausambi in neighbouring Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, has refused to shift to a type seven bungalow he is entitled to.

He is looking for a government flat with a park nearby in Central Delhi to facilitate meetings with people.

Kejriwal's team has already scanned a number of government flats but is yet to pick one for him. The ministers in Kejriwal's cabinet have also decided to follow the footsteps of their leader.

The Delhi government ministers are entitled to Type six or Type seven bungalows having three-bedrooms. Sheila Dikshit has been staying at a Type 8 bungalow on 3 Motilal Nehru Marg in Lutyens Delhi since 2003.

Reflecting Aam Aadmi credentials, Kejriwal today boarded a metro from Kausambi to Barakhamba Metro station from where he took his car to reach the Ramlila Maidan where he was sworn-in as seventh Chief Minister of Delhi.

The AAP leader has already refused to take security cover offered by Delhi Police.

In keeping with its promise to end VIP culture, the AAP Government, in its the first cabinet meeting, decided to restrict use of red beacon by ministers and officials.

As per the decision, no minister or official in Delhi Government will use red beacon. The cabinet has also decided that no PSO and escort vehicle will be be provided to any official.