Will the Delhi Assembly Discuss the CAG Report on Air Pollution Starting May 13?

Synopsis
As the Delhi Assembly gears up for its Budget Session on May 13, the spotlight falls on the critical CAG reports regarding air pollution and the controversial excise policy. Will accountability be enforced, and what implications will this have for the city's governance? Stay tuned for insights into this pivotal discussion.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Assembly to discuss CAG reports on air pollution and excise policy.
- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the CAG report highlighting deficiencies in previous governance.
- PAC is actively investigating the irregularities cited in the reports.
- Emphasis on accountability and transparency in government operations.
- Importance of addressing air pollution issues for public health.
New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) The Delhi government is poised to assess the follow-up measures regarding the CAG reports on air pollution and the excise policy during the second phase of the Budget Session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly, which is set to begin on May 13, as stated by an official on Friday.
A leader from the Delhi BJP mentioned that the government might propose a resolution praising 'Operation Sindoor' and expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decisive actions against terrorism.
On April 1, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the CAG report titled 'Performance Audit on Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi' in the Assembly, which highlighted significant gaps and weaknesses in the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration's operations.
The report identified numerous flaws and inconsistencies in the AAP government's approaches to managing vehicular emissions and the verification of pollution control standards.
It held the former government responsible for “glaring lapses” in Pollution Under Control certification, stating: “The system for issuing ‘fitness’ certificates to commercial vehicles was dysfunctional and vulnerable to misuse. The audit also noted that the government failed to act on the 'Delhi Management and Parking Places Rules' designed to prevent vehicle stagnation and traffic congestion caused by poorly parked vehicles.
All CAG reports related to liquor, transport, environment, and pollution have been referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The PAC has been scrutinizing the CAG report, interrogating officials and documenting instances of irregularities.
PAC Chairman Ajay Mahawar remarked that the CAG report on the excise policy revealed serious irregularities in the previous Arvind Kejriwal government’s operations, indicating corruption across various departments, including the excise sector.
Mahawar, a BJP MLA from Ghonda constituency, mentioned that the PAC report is anticipated to be completed by June.
He indicated that the PAC will engage with all relevant stakeholders, gather their insights, and subsequently present its findings in the Assembly.
The PAC is recognized as one of the most influential governmental committees, playing a crucial role in examining the financial activities of the government and striving to uphold transparency and accountability in public expenditures.