LG asks CM to reach out to officials to resolve impasse

NEW DELHI: A week after the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for a face-to-face meeting, where the issue of the assault, women's safety and other government works were discussed.

The LG said he had urged the Chief Minister to reach out to government employees to resolve the impasse.

On his official Twitter handle, the LG posted, "Met Hon'ble CM @ArvindKejriwal. Reassured him of my complete support for steps to remove mistrust with Govt. employees. Encouraged again to reach out to them. It is important for all to work together in public interest in a secure and dignified work environment."

Meanwhile, Kejriwal also discussed the issue of girl students being provided additional safety from Delhi Police personnel after leaving school, as there were various complaints about anti-social elements disturb students outside schools.

"Beat constables of the area could be directed to move around in his area during school closing time to ensure the safety of school girls," said Kejriwal after the meeting.

He further urged the LG to discuss the matter with the Delhi Police and also take note of the increasing number of sexual offences in the city.

The Chief Minister also discussed the drainage system of Delhi, saying that land would be made available soon for the Public Works and Irrigation and Flood Control Department drains soon.

However, Kejriwal did not mention anything regarding the discussion of alleged assault on the Chief Secretary.

On Tuesday, the LG, in a letter to Kejriwal, had said during his meetings with various service associations that he felt the government employees in Delhi were feeling physically insecure.

"The unfortunate incident of alleged misbehaviour and physical assault on the Chief Secretary (Anshu Prakash), who is the head of the bureaucracy, at the residence of the Chief Minister by the elected MLAs, was unprecedented and has had a demoralising effect on the entire bureaucracy.

"This incident has sent shock waves through all sections of government employees in not only Delhi but also in the entire country," Baijal said in the letter.