The Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to deliberate on key issues during its ongoing budget session, with discussions scheduled for Friday on the proposed renaming of Mustafabad Assembly Constituency and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Both issues are listed in the official List of Business (LoB) for the session, reflecting the Assembly's focus on governance and administrative matters.

Mustafabad Name Change Proposal

A significant item on the agenda is the resolution moved by BJP MLA and Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, proposing to rename the Mustafabad Assembly Constituency as Shiv Vihar Assembly Constituency. Bisht cited “the sentiments of local voters” as the driving force behind the name change proposal, asserting that the change would better reflect the identity of the region.

The proposal is expected to spark intense debate among legislators, with opposing political parties likely to contest the renaming move. While BJP leaders argue that renaming Mustafabad will align the constituency with local aspirations, opposition parties may view it as a politically motivated maneuver to consolidate support among certain voter groups.

CAG Audit Report on DTC to be Reviewed

Another key topic scheduled for discussion is the CAG Audit Report on the Functioning of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). The report, tabled by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on March 24, highlighted operational inefficiencies, financial losses, and administrative shortcomings within DTC.

The CAG report has brought into focus the mismanagement of public funds and the lack of effective reforms in DTC operations. Critics have pointed fingers at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging negligence and financial mismanagement that contributed to DTC’s deteriorating performance.

According to sources, DTC’s operational losses have widened over the past few years, with growing maintenance costs, declining passenger numbers, and poor route planning. Legislators are expected to deliberate on possible reforms to improve DTC’s financial health and service quality.

Proposal for Free Gas Cylinder Distribution

AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha is also expected to introduce a resolution advocating the free distribution of gas cylinders on special occasions by the Delhi government. According to the LoB, this proposal aims to provide economic relief to residents during festive events and address the rising cost of cooking gas, which burdens lower-income households.

The move is likely to receive mixed reactions, with supporters arguing that providing free gas cylinders on key occasions will benefit economically disadvantaged families, while critics may question the feasibility and financial implications of such a scheme.

Motion to Dispose of Pending Cases

In a separate development, the Delhi Assembly, under the leadership of BJP MLA Abhay Verma, passed a motion to dispose of long-pending cases referred to various legislative committees. The motion, presented with the Speaker's permission, was adopted during the ongoing session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly.

On March 27, the Assembly approved the disposal of eight pending court cases, including those filed by Delhi government officers. The cases had been under review by the Committee on Privileges, the Committee on Petitions, and the Committee on Questions and References from the Sixth and Seventh Legislative Assemblies.

The motion ensures that long-standing cases are resolved and that legislative bodies remain focused on addressing current governance challenges.

New Directive for Government Hospitals on Medicine Procurement

In a related development, the Delhi government has issued a directive mandating that all government hospitals and health centres procure medicines exclusively from Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK). Local purchases will only be allowed in emergency situations to ensure that medicines remain affordable and accessible.

This move is expected to enhance the availability of quality medicines at affordable prices for Delhi’s residents while ensuring transparency in procurement practices.

CAG Report Highlights Key Concerns in DTC Operations

The CAG report on DTC has underscored several critical issues affecting the public transport body’s efficiency:

• Rising operational losses: DTC has been grappling with increasing financial deficits, leading to a decline in service quality.

• Inadequate route optimization: Poor planning and inefficient routing have resulted in reduced passenger numbers and increased maintenance costs.

• Aging fleet and maintenance issues: A significant portion of DTC’s fleet is aging, leading to frequent breakdowns and higher maintenance expenses.

The CAG findings have led to renewed calls for reforms in DTC, with legislators emphasizing the need for modernization, better route planning, and accountability in resource allocation.

Political Reactions to the Name Change Proposal

The proposal to rename Mustafabad as Shiv Vihar has generated sharp political reactions, with BJP leaders arguing that the move reflects popular sentiment and aligns with the aspirations of the local population.

However, AAP and other opposition parties have criticized the move, accusing the BJP of pandering to communal sentiments for political gain. Political analysts believe the renaming proposal could become a flashpoint during the budget session, with heated debates expected in the Assembly.

Implications for Delhi’s Governance and Public Services

The ongoing budget session of the Delhi Assembly is expected to shape the city’s governance priorities in the coming months. With critical issues such as DTC reforms, constituency renaming, and gas subsidy proposals on the table, the outcomes of these deliberations will significantly impact public services, governance efficiency, and political discourse in Delhi.

Conclusion

As the Delhi Assembly prepares to deliberate on the renaming of Mustafabad, the CAG report on DTC, and other pressing matters, legislators face the challenge of balancing political interests with public welfare. The decisions made during this session will set the course for Delhi’s governance and have lasting implications for the city’s transport, health, and civic administration.

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