2018 a 'landmark year' in Delhi's history: Dy CM

NEW DELHI: Terming 2018 as a 'landmark year' in the history of Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that now in 2019, the Aam Aadmi Party government plans to conclude its ongoing or pending projects such as free Wi-Fi, setting up of 1,000 mohalla clinics and doorstep delivery of ration among others.

Talking to a news agency, Sisodia asserted that 2018 has been a "landmark year" as the elected government got powers to take decisions on administrative and policy issues following the July 4 Supreme Court verdict. "Although in 1993, Delhi got a legislative assembly, 2018 saw another milestone in terms of governance and democracy," he added.

Also, 2018 saw less of rabble-rousing between the AAP government and the Lt Governor's office as compared to the past after the July 4 Supreme Court order. The apex court had ruled that the lieutenant governor of Delhi is bound by the "aid and advice" of the Delhi government.

Earlier, both the AAP government and the LG had been on loggerhead over administrative issues.

2018 also saw passing of several ambitious projects of the AAP government, including doorstep delivery of ration, installation of CCTVs across the city among others. However, the deputy chief minister rued that as services do not come under the Delhi government, the AAP dispensation cannot create new posts.

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court reserved its order on services and other issues and an order in this regard can come anytime.

"As the Delhi government does not have power of services, we cannot create new posts. We can open news schools, but when it comes to hiring teachers, it will be done by the LG. We can open new hospitals, but hiring of doctors will be executed by the lieutenant governor," he said.

Sisodia hoped that in 2019, services will come under the Delhi government.