New Delhi: Amid tussle with Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Tuesday asked the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to conduct a special audit of distribution companies (discoms) in connection with power subsidies released to them by the Delhi government for financial assistance. instructed to do. years 2016-17 and 2021-22. As per the order, the audit will be carried out by a CAG-scheduled external auditor to ensure that the subsidy reaches the intended beneficiaries in a transparent and efficient manner, reports news agency ANI.
Lt. Governor of Delhi directs Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission to conduct special audit of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) through CAG panel in respect of power subsidy released by Delhi Government for the financial years 2016-17 to 2021-22 Gave… — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2023
Significantly, there is a tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Delhi LG over the continuation of electricity subsidy to the residents of Delhi. AAP had last week accused the LG of scrapping power subsidy to the people of Delhi. However, shortly thereafter, the Lieutenant Governor approved the files related to electricity subsidy.
News agency PTI claimed that Delhi LG VK Saxena has given his assent and approved the extension of power subsidy after a rift with the ruling AAP, which accused him of stalling the move. The Delhi cabinet had earlier approved the extension of power subsidy for the year 2023-24, but the file was pending in the LG’s office, the AAP claimed.
The LG also gave its consent for a special audit of power subsidy amount disbursed to distribution companies (discoms) since 2016-17, expressing “surprise” at the delay so far. Sources said Saxena, in a note to the chief minister, criticized the government for not conducting an audit of Rs 13,549 crore given to discoms in the last six years.
Power subsidy for poor: Delhi LG
The LG reiterated its stand that power subsidy should be provided to the poor, pointing out that the amount being given to discoms should be audited to ensure non-pilferage. Officials said they have asked the Kejriwal government to expedite its appeal to the Supreme Court against the High Court order quashing the CAG audit of discoms, which has been pending for more than seven years.
LG Vs AAP Over Power Subsidy
The LG and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi are engaged in a tussle over power subsidy, with the latter accusing Saxena of trying to stop the subsidy through a conspiracy with the BJP. The LG in its note has underlined that audit conducted by CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) empaneled auditors cannot and should not be considered a substitute for CAG audit.
Reiterating his consent and commitment to power subsidy for the poor, Saxena has said that such subsidy is public money collected as revenue from the people of Delhi and it is the prime responsibility of the government to ensure that the benefits are targeted rather than stolen. For the benefit of vested interests reached the populace.
AAP accuses LG of scrapping power subsidy
Delhi’s Energy Minister Atishi said, ‘The Lieutenant Governor has stopped the file related to subsidy. Due to this, 46 lakh consumers of Delhi will not be able to get electricity subsidy. However, soon after the power minister made the allegation, the LG’s office claimed that the Delhi LG had signed the file on power subsidy. “Delhiites will not be able to get free electricity from Saturday since the Lt Governor has withheld the file related to power subsidy,” Atishi had alleged.
He said that the Arvind Kejriwal government of Delhi gives 200 units free every month to Delhiites and 50 percent subsidy on 201 to 400 units of electricity. Atishi also claimed that she had sought an appointment with the Lieutenant Governor on this subject, but even after 24 hours, the Lieutenant Governor did not give her an appointment.
Delhi ministers making baseless allegations: Lt Governor’s Office
Responding to Atishi’s allegations, the lieutenant governor’s office said the energy minister should refrain from making “unnecessary and baseless allegations”. LG’s office said, ‘ Energy Minister should stop misleading people with false statements. The Energy Minister and the Chief Minister have been asked why the subsidy decision was kept pending till April 4, while the deadline for electricity subsidy was April. 15.”
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Saxena pulled up the state government for not conducting an audit of Rs 13,549 crore given to power discoms.