Lieutenant Governor writes to Kejriwal, questions stalling of budget

New Delhi, February 24

Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena questioned the delay in presenting the budget in the Assembly in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday.

Saxena expressed concern that the process appeared to have been unnecessarily stalled at the level of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). He stressed that the residents of Delhi have the right to know how public funds are being utilised.

“I am compelled to bring to your attention that despite the Annual Financial Statement being prepared and available with the government, following clearance from the Government of India, since as early as February 19, it is yet to reach me for presentation in the House as required by established law,” Saxena stated in the letter.

Expedite process for residents’ benefit

It would be appropriate for the budget to be presented, discussed and passed in the Assembly as soon as possible for the benefit of the people of Delhi. Utilise the budget session for its intended purpose in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance. — VK Saxena, Lieutenant Governor

The L-G’s letter comes shortly after Finance Minister Atishi informed the House that the budget session would be extended until March 1 due to delays in finalising the budget.

According to Saxena, the L-G Secretariat received the budget on February 13 and subsequently cleared it for approval by the President. It was then forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on February 15 for the President’s approval, which was granted by the Government of India on February 19 within three working days.

“Subsequently, the process appears to have been halted without any apparent reason at the level of GNCTD. It would be appropriate for the Annual Financial Statement (budget) to be presented, discussed and passed in the Assembly as soon as possible for the benefit of the people of Delhi,” he added.

Saxena urged Kejriwal to expedite the process, stating, “Utilise the budget session for its intended purpose in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance.”