LG cancelled govt order on compensation by discoms: Kejriwal

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the Lieutenant Governor (LG) had cancelled the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s order to make discoms pay compensation to consumers for unscheduled power cuts, alleging that the Centre was hand-in-glove with discoms.

Addressing a gathering in North-West Delhi’s Najafgarh area, he expressed apprehension that the LG might also turn down the government’s power subsidy decision and minimum wages proposal.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) had in April passed an order, asking discoms to compensate consumers for unscheduled power cuts extending up to two hours in the national Capital.

“We had passed an order, under which discoms would have to compensate consumers for unscheduled power cuts. They were bound to pay a penalty of Rs 100 for power cut for every hour. Fifteen days ago, LG sahab called the file pertaining to this matter and cancelled this order. (PM Narendra) Modi is hand-in-glove with power companies. Why Modi ji needed to turn down this order?” Kejriwal questioned. He added by this order, the power situation would have been better in Delhi but Modi has not let that happen.

He had also claimed that Jung has sought the file related to power subsidy on the PM’s instructions, even as he cautioned against a hike in power tariff in the city.

The Chief Minister has also expressed apprehension that his government’s proposal to increase minimum wages by up to 50 per cent could be shot down by Jung. He asked the people to “gherao the PM and LG” if any a such step is taken.

Kejriwal also accused the Centre of not clearing the Delhi government’s proposal to regularise hundreds of unauthorised colonies in the capital. He said if the proposal was approved, such colonies would be regularised within 24 hours.

“We cannot wait for Modi ji’s nod. I have directed my ministers to carry out development works in all unauthorised colonies, which include construction of roads and laying of water pipelines,” he said.