Delhi L-G T.S. Sandhu drives deregulation push to ease citizen compliance load
Synopsis
Delhi L-G T.S. Sandhu is simultaneously pushing two reform tracks — cutting bureaucratic compliance load on citizens and tightening community policing for seniors and women. The dual agenda, framed around Modi's Ease of Living vision, puts Raj Niwas at the centre of Delhi's governance narrative at a time when the capital's administration remains closely scrutinised.
Key Takeaways
Sandhu reviewed deregulation and compliance reduction reforms on 21 August , directing all departments to expedite the exercise.
Sandhu posted on X that the reforms aim to deliver 'less red tape, faster approvals' for Delhi residents, aligned with PM Modi's Ease of Living vision.
On Thursday , Sandhu met Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar to assess community policing, senior citizen safety, and women's security initiatives.
Delhi Police's senior citizen mobile app was reviewed; the L-G directed expansion of its coverage based on a fresh headcount of elderly residents.
Shishtachar Squads — tasked with curbing eve-teasing and street harassment near schools, transit hubs, and markets — were also evaluated for ground-level performance.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Friday, 21 August chaired a progress review on deregulation and compliance reduction reforms aimed at improving everyday ease of living for residents of the National Capital Territory. The exercise, he said, places the common citizen at the centre of governance reform — cutting red tape, speeding up approvals, and streamlining bureaucratic processes across departments.
What the L-G Directed
In a post on social media platform X, Sandhu said he had reviewed deregulation progress and directed all departments to 'complete the exercise swiftly and efficiently, ensuring every reform delivers real, everyday ease of living for the people of Delhi — less red tape, faster approvals, and a system that works for them.' He framed the initiative as aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, invoking the goal of building a 'Viksit Dilli' that puts people first.
Security and Community Policing Review
The deregulation meeting came a day after Sandhu met Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar on Thursday to assess specialised community policing initiatives and public welfare platforms being rolled out across the capital. The discussion centred on strengthening institutional support for vulnerable groups, with particular focus on senior citizens and women commuters.
Senior Citizen Safety App Under Scrutiny
During the Thursday session, the L-G reviewed the operational efficacy of Delhi Police's dedicated mobile application for senior citizens, taking stock of registrations, outreach, and beat-level police interface with elderly residents. Sandhu underlined the need for prompt grievance redressal, robust emergency assistance, and sustained periodic visits by local police to ensure the safety and confidence of senior citizens. He directed a thorough reassessment of the senior citizen count so the app's coverage could be expanded accordingly.
Shishtachar Squads and Women's Safety
The review also examined the deployment and performance of Delhi Police's specialised 'Shishtachar Squads' — units tasked with curbing eve-teasing, preventing street harassment, and enforcing public order near educational institutions, transit hubs, and crowded marketplaces. The squads represent a targeted operational response to safety concerns that have persisted across the capital's public spaces.
What Comes Next
With directives issued to all departments on both the deregulation and policing fronts, the pace of implementation will be closely watched. The dual focus — on reducing bureaucratic friction for citizens and tightening community safety nets — signals an active governance posture from Raj Niwas ahead of what is expected to be a politically significant period for Delhi.
Point of View
Community policing on the other — reflects a Raj Niwas strategy of visible, citizen-facing governance in a city where administrative authority between the L-G and elected government has historically been contested. The compliance reduction drive echoes Centre-level ease-of-living rhetoric, but the real test is whether departmental directives translate into measurable reductions in approval timelines and documentation burdens. On policing, the senior citizen app and Shishtachar Squads are operationally sound ideas, but coverage gaps and beat-level consistency remain perennial weak points in Delhi Police delivery. Neither initiative is new in concept; what is being tested is execution.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delhi L-G T.S. Sandhu's deregulation initiative about?
It is a reform exercise aimed at reducing the compliance burden on Delhi's residents by cutting red tape, speeding up government approvals, and making administrative processes more citizen-friendly. Sandhu reviewed its progress on 21 August and directed all departments to complete the exercise swiftly.
What did Delhi L-G Sandhu discuss with Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar?
On Thursday, Sandhu met Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar to evaluate community policing programmes, public welfare platforms, and targeted safety measures across Delhi, with a focus on protecting senior citizens and women commuters.
What is Delhi Police's senior citizen mobile application?
It is a dedicated app designed to help elderly Delhi residents access emergency assistance, register grievances, and maintain contact with local beat police. The L-G reviewed its adoption and directed that its coverage be expanded after a fresh assessment of the senior citizen population.
What are Shishtachar Squads in Delhi?
Shishtachar Squads are specialised Delhi Police units deployed to curb eve-teasing, prevent street harassment, and enforce public order near schools, transit hubs, and busy marketplaces. Their performance and ground-level deployment were reviewed during the L-G's meeting with the Police Commissioner.
How does the deregulation push connect to the Centre's broader agenda?
Sandhu has framed the initiative around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, positioning Delhi's compliance reduction exercise as part of a national governance philosophy aimed at reducing the state's friction with ordinary citizens.
