Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asks civil bodies for financial viability plan

NEW DELHI: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in his first review on Thursday reportedly sent out a clear signal to the three municipal corporations to put their house in order. He asked them to come up with a plan in the next fortnight to show how the municipalities can be made financially secure.

The review of about a dozen departments, which was attended by the deputy chief minister and all five ministers, ended with the message that the new government is looking for performance and out-of-box thinking and anything less would not be acceptable.

Kejriwal, on his way out from the review session, told TOI that the day was mostly about stock taking and listening to views of officials.

The CM also raised the issue of poor sanitation with the municipal commissioners and said the jobs of safai karamcharis should be regularized. Sources said the matter of ghost employees was also raised by a minister.

Even the VAT department was told to focus on higher targets using innovative measures.

The urban development department informed Kejriwal about the status of regularization of unauthorized colonies. Similarly, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board presented its plans for a slum-free Delhi, in situ rehabilitation and availability and construction of flats for the economically weaker sections.