GPS tracking system: Delhi govt refuses exemption to Lokayukta office vehicles

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has refused exemption to the Lokayukta office from installing GPS-enabled tracking system on its official vehicles, saying there was no justification for doing so, sources said. The AAP government, in August last year, had ordered installation of GPS-enabled tracking devices in all its vehicles and those belonging to civic bodies and autonomous institutions, to prevent their 'misuse'. "In his note, dated January 9, General Administration Department Minister Gopal Rai said there was no justification for proposal of the department for exemption in case of office of Lokayukta," a government source said.

In a notice, the office of Lokayukta has asked the ruling AAP legislators, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, to give their replies on a complaint that they are not furnishing their assets and liabilities details before the competent authority. Meanwhile, Opposition leader in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta expressed his view that BJP MLAs unanimously decided at a meeting in Vidhan Sabha that all the four Opposition MLAs namely; Vijender Gupta, OP Sharma, MS Sirsa and Jagdish Pradhan will comply with the notice of Lokayukta to file details of assets and liabilities. The BJP MLAs welcomed the notice issued by the Lokayukta and called it a step in the direction of transparency in public life.

Delhi Vidhan Sabha speaker Ram Niwas Goel said there was no law under which it was compulsory for the leaders to furnish these details. "There is no such law under which it is compulsory for leaders to give details of their assets and liability. It (proposed legislation) is still under consideration of the Union Law Ministry. There is no such provision in the law," said Goel.

Sources said that a legal opinion will be sought on the matter by the Delhi Assembly. The issue was raised by an advocate and RTI activist Vivek Garg, who on January 9, filed a complaint with the office of Lokayukta, alleging that details of assets and liabilities were not being filed by the AAP leaders for three consecutive financial years. "The Lokayukta has sought a reply from the AAP leaders and asked them to submit returns with the office if filed by them. The matter has been fixed for next hearing on January 28," Garg said.

AAP leader from Chandni Chowk Alka Lamba, who received notice of Lokayukta, alleged BJP's hand behind the complaint before the Lokayukta. "BJP leaders in the past also tried to frame us in fake cases. One more case has been lodged with the Lokayukta by them after failing to harm(us) in four years. The complaint was made on January 9, the notice was marked on January 10 and it was dispatched on January 11. I got it on January 16," Lamba tweeted.