MLAs raise concern over lack of office space for Assembly committees

A tense exchange unfolded in the Delhi Assembly on Thursday as several MLAs voiced frustration over the lack of dedicated office space for legislative committee chairpersons, warning it was severely hampering the functioning of key panels.

MLAs Tarvinder Singh Marwah (Jangpura), Karnail Singh (Shakur Basti) and Ashok Goel (Model Town) raised the issue during proceedings, citing delays and operational challenges more than a month after the committees were formed.

“The Speaker has appointed me chairman, yet no room has been allocated,” said Marwah. “Meanwhile, various council staff occupy multiple rooms in the Secretariat. If no space is provided, we’ll set up chairs outside your office and hold our meetings there,” he warned.

Karnail Singh echoed the concern, saying three chairpersons were expected to share a single room without basic facilities. Ashok Goel added that spaces intended for Assembly work were being used by outside bodies, including the Delhi Pharmacy Council.

In response, Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta acknowledged the space crunch and said eviction notices could soon be issued to departments and councils occupying Assembly premises.

“There are 25 committee chairmen but only 11 rooms. Even crucial committees lack basic office space. This is unjust to the Assembly,” said Gupta. “I cannot pass a proposal assigning three chairpersons to one room.”

The Speaker said the Delhi Pharmacy Council alone occupied eight rooms, while other government bodies — such as the Directorate of Education and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s publication division — were also using Assembly space.

“They are unwilling to vacate. I have discussed this with the Education Minister. Several chairmen have approached me about this and frankly, it is humiliating,” Gupta said. “Issuing eviction notices is within my authority, but it should be a last resort.”

Delhi’s Environment and Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa apologised to the House and assured the matter would be resolved quickly. “We acknowledge the concern and will act soon. An inquiry will be initiated, and departments misusing space will be dealt with,” he said.