The Delhi government on Friday told Patiala House Court that Delhi police had filed charge sheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case in a ''secretive'' and ''hasty manner'' and it would take a month to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute former JNU student's union president Kanhaiya Kumar in the case.&nbsp;

It made the submission to Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat.&nbsp;

The AAP government accused the police of filing the charge sheet secretly and in a hasty manner without obtaining the required approval from the appropriate authority.&nbsp;

The court had earlier directed the state government to file a "proper reply", citing a definite time-frame.

DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, had told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction and added sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that.

On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Delhi government on Friday told Patiala House Court that Delhi police had filed charge sheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case in a ''secretive'' and ''hasty manner'' and it would take a month to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute former JNU student's union president Kanhaiya Kumar in the case.

The Delhi government on Friday told Patiala House Court that Delhi police had filed charge sheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case in a ''secretive'' and ''hasty manner'' and it would take a month to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute former JNU student's union president Kanhaiya Kumar in the case. It made the submission to Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat. The AAP government accused the police of filing the charge sheet secretly and in a hasty manner without obtaining the required approval from the appropriate authority. The court had earlier directed the state government to file a "proper reply", citing a definite time-frame. DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, had told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction and added sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that. On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016. (With inputs from PTI)

JNU sedition case: Police filed charge sheet 'secretly', in 'hasty manner', Delhi govt tells court

The Delhi government on Wednesday sought before a court here a month's time to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-sedition-case-court-says-role-of-delhi-police-on-sanction-matter-complete-206660">2016 JNU sedition case</a>.&nbsp;

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat directed the AAP government to file a "proper reply" citing a definite time-frame.

DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, had earlier told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction and added that sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that.&nbsp;

The Delhi Police had earlier told the court that authorities were yet to give requisite sanctions to prosecute Kumar and others in the case, and it would take two to three months to procure sanctions.

On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.

The Delhi government on Wednesday sought before a court here a month's time to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the 2016 JNU sedition case.

The Delhi government on Wednesday sought before a court here a month's time to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the 2016 JNU sedition case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat directed the AAP government to file a "proper reply" citing a definite time-frame. DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, had earlier told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction and added that sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that. The Delhi Police had earlier told the court that authorities were yet to give requisite sanctions to prosecute Kumar and others in the case, and it would take two to three months to procure sanctions. On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.

JNU case: Delhi government seeks month's time before court to grant sanction to prosecute Kanhaiya

The Delhi government is seeking legal advice with regard to granting sanction for prosecution in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-case-why-did-you-file-charge-sheet-without-legal-approval-delhi-court-raps-police-191352">JNU sedition case</a>, government sources said on Tuesday.

On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhi Police traded allegations after a court questioned the department for filing a charge sheet in the sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others without procuring the required sanction from authorities.

Delhi government sources said there are rules laid down by the court for sanction of prosecution and they will be followed.

"The rules allow three months time to the government for granting sanction. Delhi Police took three years to file the charge sheet. The government must be allowed due diligence and legal advice at its disposal before taking a decision," a source said.

However, if the government consumes the three-month period without taking any decision, the sanction is deemed granted, he said.

The Delhi Police had filed the charge sheet in the court on January 14, saying sanction for prosecution was pending before the government.

"Why did you file (the charge sheet) without approval? You don't have a legal department," the court asked police on Saturday.

According to the charge sheet, Kumar was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.

Police also charged former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during the event to mark the hanging of Parliament attack mastermind Afzal Guru.

The event had taken place despite the university administration cancelling the permission following a complaint from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which had termed it "anti-national".&nbsp;

The Delhi government is seeking legal advice with regard to granting sanction for prosecution in the JNU sedition case, government sources said on Tuesday. On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhi Police traded allegations after a court questioned the department for filing a charge sheet in the sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others without procuring the required sanction from authorities.

The Delhi government is seeking legal advice with regard to granting sanction for prosecution in the JNU sedition case, government sources said on Tuesday. On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhi Police traded allegations after a court questioned the department for filing a charge sheet in the sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others without procuring the required sanction from authorities. Delhi government sources said there are rules laid down by the court for sanction of prosecution and they will be followed. "The rules allow three months time to the government for granting sanction. Delhi Police took three years to file the charge sheet. The government must be allowed due diligence and legal advice at its disposal before taking a decision," a source said. However, if the government consumes the three-month period without taking any decision, the sanction is deemed granted, he said. The Delhi Police had filed the charge sheet in the court on January 14, saying sanction for prosecution was pending before the government. "Why did you file (the charge sheet) without approval? You don't have a legal department," the court asked police on Saturday. According to the charge sheet, Kumar was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016. Police also charged former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during the event to mark the hanging of Parliament attack mastermind Afzal Guru. The event had taken place despite the university administration cancelling the permission following a complaint from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which had termed it "anti-national".

Delhi government seeking legal advice to grant prosecution sanction in JNU sedition case: Report

A day after the Airport Authorities of India scrapped TM Krishna's November 17 concert, the Delhi government on Thursday stepped in to organise another performance by the Carnatic singer who often finds himself in the cross-hairs of controversy for his outspoken views.

The performance was scheduled to be part of the 'Dance and Music in the Park' concert in Nehru Park on November 17-18.

It was allegedly cancelled following a troll campaign against AAI for hosting Krishna, a Magsaysay award winner who has been called an "urban Naxal" and "a converted bigot" among other epithets.&nbsp;

"The Delhi government has been in touch with me and are interested in hosting a concert on the 17th. We will know the details tomorrow but I have in principle said yes," the 42-year-old said.

Delhi government sources added that the office of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has been in touch with Krishna's office.&nbsp;

"The Delhi government is working out the dates for the concert of T M Krishna in the national capital," an official said.&nbsp;

AAI and cultural organisation Spic Macay which were organising the concert jointly said the event was not cancelled but "postponed".&nbsp;

AAI was the major sponsor, said Rashmi Mallik from Spic Macay.&nbsp;

They were informed by AAI that the event had to postponed due to "some internal challenges within AAI", she said.&nbsp;

"It has not been cancelled. It has been postponed. We will be working out the new dates and share them," she told.&nbsp;

AAI also expressed its regret.

"We would like to inform that due to some urgent engagements, 'Dance and Music in the Park' programme jointly organised by AAI and SPICMACAY, scheduled on November 17 and 18 has been postponed. New dates would be announced shortly," an AAI spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Krishna, considered one of the finest proponents of Carnatic music, has often been the subject of hate trolls for his critical views on Hindutva and the establishment.

The artist, who is credited for being one of those taking the 600-year-old Carnatic musical tradition forward, is also an activist who has worked on creating egalitarian spaces for music and breaking down caste barriers.

He was part of a movement to help the Tamil-dominated and the war-ravaged northern province of Sri Lanka rebuild its classical music traditions.

An outspoken columnist, Krishna, has written and talked on a wide range of socio-political issues, including women's rights.&nbsp;

"I have been trolled for a long time for my social position, my perspectives on politics in India and my disagreements with the BJP regime...I believe in every art form... Allah, Jesus and Ram make no difference...It is a multi-lingual and multi-religious country," Krishna told a television channel on Thursday.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, he said on Twitter that he was subjected to "vile comments" and "threats" after an audio clip of one of his compositions about Jesus started doing the rounds.&nbsp;

But Krishna remained unperturbed. Instead, he declared that he would release "one Karnatik song every month on Jesus or Allah".&nbsp;

Following the row, a concert in the US was also cancelled.&nbsp;

A day after the Airport Authorities of India scrapped TM Krishna's November 17 concert, the Delhi government on Thursday stepped in to organise another performance by the Carnatic singer who often finds himself in the cross-hairs of controversy for his outspoken views.

A day after the Airport Authorities of India scrapped TM Krishna's November 17 concert, the Delhi government on Thursday stepped in to organise another performance by the Carnatic singer who often finds himself in the cross-hairs of controversy for his outspoken views. The performance was scheduled to be part of the 'Dance and Music in the Park' concert in Nehru Park on November 17-18. It was allegedly cancelled following a troll campaign against AAI for hosting Krishna, a Magsaysay award winner who has been called an "urban Naxal" and "a converted bigot" among other epithets. "The Delhi government has been in touch with me and are interested in hosting a concert on the 17th. We will know the details tomorrow but I have in principle said yes," the 42-year-old said. Delhi government sources added that the office of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has been in touch with Krishna's office. "The Delhi government is working out the dates for the concert of T M Krishna in the national capital," an official said. AAI and cultural organisation Spic Macay which were organising the concert jointly said the event was not cancelled but "postponed". AAI was the major sponsor, said Rashmi Mallik from Spic Macay. They were informed by AAI that the event had to postponed due to "some internal challenges within AAI", she said. "It has not been cancelled. It has been postponed. We will be working out the new dates and share them," she told. AAI also expressed its regret. "We would like to inform that due to some urgent engagements, 'Dance and Music in the Park' programme jointly organised by AAI and SPICMACAY, scheduled on November 17 and 18 has been postponed. New dates would be announced shortly," an AAI spokesperson said. Krishna, considered one of the finest proponents of Carnatic music, has often been the subject of hate trolls for his critical views on Hindutva and the establishment. The artist, who is credited for being one of those taking the 600-year-old Carnatic musical tradition forward, is also an activist who has worked on creating egalitarian spaces for music and breaking down caste barriers. He was part of a movement to help the Tamil-dominated and the war-ravaged northern province of Sri Lanka rebuild its classical music traditions. An outspoken columnist, Krishna, has written and talked on a wide range of socio-political issues, including women's rights. "I have been trolled for a long time for my social position, my perspectives on politics in India and my disagreements with the BJP regime...I believe in every art form... Allah, Jesus and Ram make no difference...It is a multi-lingual and multi-religious country," Krishna told a television channel on Thursday. Earlier this year, he said on Twitter that he was subjected to "vile comments" and "threats" after an audio clip of one of his compositions about Jesus started doing the rounds. But Krishna remained unperturbed. Instead, he declared that he would release "one Karnatik song every month on Jesus or Allah". Following the row, a concert in the US was also cancelled.

Show must go on: TM Krishna ready to perform after Delhi govt reaches out

The AAP Wednesday launched a 15-second video featuring its national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing for donations to promote the "honestly working" Delhi government.&nbsp;

The public donation drive titled "Aap Ka Daan, Rashtra Ka Nirman" was launched by Kejriwal on Monday.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which rules in Delhi, has plans to contest the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The party is also hopeful of contesting the Lok Sabha polls in a "focussed manner" in several states, especially Delhi, Punjab and Haryana.&nbsp;

Claiming that the party is "pauper'', the AAP dispensation in Delhi is urging people to donate generously to safeguard an "honest government".&nbsp;

"The Delhi government is working honestly because AAP runs on your donations. We need funds to contest elections. No matter how much but do give donations to AAP so we can continue to work with honesty," the chief minister says in the video that appeared on social media.&nbsp;

Under the party campaign for monthly donations, the AAP has launched a mobile number on which people can place missed calls if they are willing to donate. The minimum donation amount is Rs 100 per month.

Party leaders said Kejriwal himself would seek donations by going door-to-door after Diwali.

The Delhi chief minister had on Monday announced that he would donate Rs 10,000, his wife and daughter Rs 5,000 each and his father Rs 500 per month to the party fund.

The AAP Wednesday launched a 15-second video featuring its national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing for donations to promote the "honestly working" Delhi government.

The AAP Wednesday launched a 15-second video featuring its national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing for donations to promote the "honestly working" Delhi government. The public donation drive titled "Aap Ka Daan, Rashtra Ka Nirman" was launched by Kejriwal on Monday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which rules in Delhi, has plans to contest the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The party is also hopeful of contesting the Lok Sabha polls in a "focussed manner" in several states, especially Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. Claiming that the party is "pauper'', the AAP dispensation in Delhi is urging people to donate generously to safeguard an "honest government". "The Delhi government is working honestly because AAP runs on your donations. We need funds to contest elections. No matter how much but do give donations to AAP so we can continue to work with honesty," the chief minister says in the video that appeared on social media. Under the party campaign for monthly donations, the AAP has launched a mobile number on which people can place missed calls if they are willing to donate. The minimum donation amount is Rs 100 per month. Party leaders said Kejriwal himself would seek donations by going door-to-door after Diwali. The Delhi chief minister had on Monday announced that he would donate Rs 10,000, his wife and daughter Rs 5,000 each and his father Rs 500 per month to the party fund.

AAP launches video seeking donations to promote 'honest' Delhi government

The HRD Ministry Wednesday asked for a report over allegations that Hindu and Muslim students were allegedly being segregated into different sections at an NDMC school, even as the Delhi government ordered a probe into the matter.

According to a media report published Wednesday, a section of teachers employed by the NDMC alleged that a primary school in Wazirabad was segregating Hindu and Muslim students in different sections.

"The matter is very serious. It may damage the social fabric of the country. I have asked the director of the Education Department to enquire into the matter and submit the report by Friday," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.&nbsp;

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters, "We haven't received any complaint yet but have read about it in media reports. I have asked for a report."

Earlier in the day, the Education Department of the BJP-led NDMC had directed a senior official to visit and inspect its school in Wazirabad area.

"The director of the Education Department has already instructed a senior official from the zonal office to visit the school and look into the allegation as reported," a source said.

The primary school falls in Wazirabad area of north Delhi and is administered by the NDMC. The area comes under the Civil Lines Zone of the civic body.

All municipal corporation-run schools in Delhi are primary schools. Teachers in other municipal schools expressed their shock over the reports.

"Schools, primary level no less, should be kept away from politics, and religion and caste matters should not be mentioned, for a balanced growth of a child. When a student enters a school, he or she is not a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh or Christian, but an Indian and that is how we should educate them," a teacher in a civic school in Karol Bagh said on the condition of anonymity.

"If the segregation is being done there, then it is condemnable, and we strongly disapprove of it. Schools should unite and not divide people, and these children are such impressionable minds, it will not bode well for their growth," he said.&nbsp;

The HRD Ministry Wednesday asked for a report over allegations that Hindu and Muslim students were allegedly being segregated into different sections at an NDMC school, even as the Delhi government ordered a probe into the matter.

The HRD Ministry Wednesday asked for a report over allegations that Hindu and Muslim students were allegedly being segregated into different sections at an NDMC school, even as the Delhi government ordered a probe into the matter. According to a media report published Wednesday, a section of teachers employed by the NDMC alleged that a primary school in Wazirabad was segregating Hindu and Muslim students in different sections. "The matter is very serious. It may damage the social fabric of the country. I have asked the director of the Education Department to enquire into the matter and submit the report by Friday," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters, "We haven't received any complaint yet but have read about it in media reports. I have asked for a report." Earlier in the day, the Education Department of the BJP-led NDMC had directed a senior official to visit and inspect its school in Wazirabad area. "The director of the Education Department has already instructed a senior official from the zonal office to visit the school and look into the allegation as reported," a source said. The primary school falls in Wazirabad area of north Delhi and is administered by the NDMC. The area comes under the Civil Lines Zone of the civic body. All municipal corporation-run schools in Delhi are primary schools. Teachers in other municipal schools expressed their shock over the reports. "Schools, primary level no less, should be kept away from politics, and religion and caste matters should not be mentioned, for a balanced growth of a child. When a student enters a school, he or she is not a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh or Christian, but an Indian and that is how we should educate them," a teacher in a civic school in Karol Bagh said on the condition of anonymity. "If the segregation is being done there, then it is condemnable, and we strongly disapprove of it. Schools should unite and not divide people, and these children are such impressionable minds, it will not bode well for their growth," he said.

HRD ministry seeks reports over allegation of Hindu, Muslim students being segregated

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor Anil Baijal has not given appointment since Friday to him and two other ministers to discuss “important government” issues. In a series of tweets, Sisodia asked Baijal where was he busy if he cannot give time to discuss public issues despite “repeated requests”.

“Hon @LtGovDelhi sir! I have been requesting since Friday evening to your office for appointment. Myself along with Gopal Rai and Satyendra Jain wanted to discuss important govt issues with you. But you didn’t give any appointment…(sic),” Sisodia tweeted.

He further said, “@LtGovDelhi Sir! today when we requested you to meet us during CM-LG pre-scheduled weekly meeting, you turned down our this request also. “Sir where are you busy, if you can’t give time to 3 Delhi govt ministers to discuss Delhi public issues, despite repeated requests?”.

In another tweet, the deputy chief minister said that he along with Jain and Rai were waiting for the L-G’s response.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor Anil Baijal has not given appointment since Friday to him and two other ministers to discuss “important government” issues. In a series of tweets, Sisodia asked Baijal where was he busy if he cannot give time to discuss public issues despite 'repeated requests'

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor Anil Baijal has not given appointment since Friday to him and two other ministers to discuss “important government” issues. In a series of tweets, Sisodia asked Baijal where was he busy if he cannot give time to discuss public issues despite “repeated requests”. “Hon @LtGovDelhi sir! I have been requesting since Friday evening to your office for appointment. Myself along with Gopal Rai and Satyendra Jain wanted to discuss important govt issues with you. But you didn’t give any appointment…(sic),” Sisodia tweeted. He further said, “@LtGovDelhi Sir! today when we requested you to meet us during CM-LG pre-scheduled weekly meeting, you turned down our this request also. “Sir where are you busy, if you can’t give time to 3 Delhi govt ministers to discuss Delhi public issues, despite repeated requests?”. In another tweet, the deputy chief minister said that he along with Jain and Rai were waiting for the L-G’s response.

Sisodia alleges Baijal not giving appointment to discuss 'important govt' issues

Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan, who ran into rough weather with his appearance in a surrogate advertisement of an Indian pan masala brand, has stated that he was &quot;cheated&quot; by the company which kept him in the dark about the &quot;hazardous&quot; nature of the product.

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&quot;In a written reply to the Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell, the actor stated that he got cheated by the company as the latter did not disclose the hazardous nature of the product and other terms and conditions of the contract of advertisement,&quot; Additional Director (Health) S K Arora told.

The Delhi government had recently issued a show-cause notice to Brosnan and asked the pan masala group why appropriate punitive action be not initiated against its directors and office-bearers.

&quot;In his reply to the legal notice, Brosnan also said that his agreement with the company was over and he was ready to extend all kinds of support and cooperation to our department against such campaigns.

&quot;He has given an undertaking in writing that he would never assist any company with regard to the promotion of such products or other such harmful products in future,&quot; Arora said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The official appealed to all celebrities and mass media agencies to not indulge in surrogate advertisements of tobacco in the name of pan masala, tea, ilaichi or other goods as these are prohibited under section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

&quot;Celebrities must realise their responsibility towards society, especially the youngsters who treat them like God and follow them blindly. Such advertisements influence the minds of youngsters adversely,&quot; he said.

The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act, 2003 bans all kinds of direct and indirect advertisements of tobacco products. 
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The Delhi government had recently issued a show-cause notice to Brosnan and asked the pan masala group why appropriate punitive action be not initiated against its directors and office-bearers.

Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan, who ran into rough weather with his appearance in a surrogate advertisement of an Indian pan masala brand, has stated that he was "cheated" by the company which kept him in the dark about the "hazardous" nature of the product. × "In a written reply to the Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell, the actor stated that he got cheated by the company as the latter did not disclose the hazardous nature of the product and other terms and conditions of the contract of advertisement," Additional Director (Health) S K Arora told. The Delhi government had recently issued a show-cause notice to Brosnan and asked the pan masala group why appropriate punitive action be not initiated against its directors and office-bearers. "In his reply to the legal notice, Brosnan also said that his agreement with the company was over and he was ready to extend all kinds of support and cooperation to our department against such campaigns. "He has given an undertaking in writing that he would never assist any company with regard to the promotion of such products or other such harmful products in future," Arora said. The official appealed to all celebrities and mass media agencies to not indulge in surrogate advertisements of tobacco in the name of pan masala, tea, ilaichi or other goods as these are prohibited under section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. "Celebrities must realise their responsibility towards society, especially the youngsters who treat them like God and follow them blindly. Such advertisements influence the minds of youngsters adversely," he said. The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act, 2003 bans all kinds of direct and indirect advertisements of tobacco products.

Pierce Brosnan says was 'cheated' by pan masala brand

Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash today attended a Cabinet meeting to finalise dates for the Delhi Assembly&#39;s Budget Session, his first official meet with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal since he was allegedly assaulted by AAP MLAs last week.

Besides the CS, finance secretary S N Sahai and general administration department secretary M KParida also attended the meeting.

Hours before the meeting, Prakash in a letter to Kejriwal, said he would attend it to discuss important budget matters, assuming that the chief minister ensures &quot;no physical attack and verbal assault&quot; on officers attending the meet.

The Delhi Assembly&#39;s Budget Session would be held from March 16 to 28, the Cabinet has decided.

This is the first meeting of the chief secretary with Kejriwal since the alleged assault on him by some AAP MLAs at the chief minister&#39;s residence on February 19. 
In his letter, Prakash said, &quot;A meeting of the Council of Ministers has been scheduled (today) to discuss important matters of finalisation of dates for the Budget Session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.&quot;

&quot;Since finalising the dates of the Budget Session and passing of the budget are important for the functioning of government, I along with officers concerned will be attending the meeting,&quot; he said. 
Prakash said that he hoped that in the Cabinet meeting, proper decorum would be maintained and dignity of officers would be protected.

The bureaucrats who attended the meeting ruled out thaw in the relationship between them and ruling party, according to reports. The Joint Forum of Delhi government employees said that though they supported the CS&#39;s decision to attend the meeting in view of &#39;&#39;public interest and budget exercise is crucial to the functioning of the government&#39;&#39;, the would continue to boycott all the meeting except the crucial ones until the CM apologised for last week&#39;s alleged attack, according to reports.&nbsp;

The deployment of 30 cops - 15 in uniform and a few in plain clothes - to ensure the &ldquo;safety&rdquo; of the three bureaucrats itself suggested that there is no breakthrough in the relationship between the bureaucracy and the political executive.

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Besides the CS, finance secretary S N Sahai and general administration department secretary M KParida also attended the meeting.

Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash today attended a Cabinet meeting to finalise dates for the Delhi Assembly's Budget Session, his first official meet with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal since he was allegedly assaulted by AAP MLAs last week. Besides the CS, finance secretary S N Sahai and general administration department secretary M KParida also attended the meeting. Hours before the meeting, Prakash in a letter to Kejriwal, said he would attend it to discuss important budget matters, assuming that the chief minister ensures "no physical attack and verbal assault" on officers attending the meet. The Delhi Assembly's Budget Session would be held from March 16 to 28, the Cabinet has decided. This is the first meeting of the chief secretary with Kejriwal since the alleged assault on him by some AAP MLAs at the chief minister's residence on February 19. In his letter, Prakash said, "A meeting of the Council of Ministers has been scheduled (today) to discuss important matters of finalisation of dates for the Budget Session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly." "Since finalising the dates of the Budget Session and passing of the budget are important for the functioning of government, I along with officers concerned will be attending the meeting," he said. Prakash said that he hoped that in the Cabinet meeting, proper decorum would be maintained and dignity of officers would be protected. The bureaucrats who attended the meeting ruled out thaw in the relationship between them and ruling party, according to reports. The Joint Forum of Delhi government employees said that though they supported the CS's decision to attend the meeting in view of ''public interest and budget exercise is crucial to the functioning of the government'', the would continue to boycott all the meeting except the crucial ones until the CM apologised for last week's alleged attack, according to reports. The deployment of 30 cops - 15 in uniform and a few in plain clothes - to ensure the “safety” of the three bureaucrats itself suggested that there is no breakthrough in the relationship between the bureaucracy and the political executive.

Delhi chief secretary attends first cabinet meet amid police presence

Father of 23-year-old Ankit Saxena has now demanded death sentence for the culprit of his son&#39;s death.&nbsp;

Ankit&#39;s father, Yashpal Saxena, said that he will be &quot;thankful&quot; if the Delhi government will help his family in fighting the case.

&quot;We want justice. Murderers of my son should get a death sentence. I am an ordinary man and I have no resources to fight the case. If Delhi government helps us in getting best advocates and making a strong case, I will be thankful,&quot; said Ankit&#39;s father.

Ankit was stabbed to death in west Delhi&#39;s Khyala area on February 1 by his girlfriend&#39;s family members - who were against their relationship.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ankit-saxena-murder-delhis-khyala-area-remains-tense-31708">Ankit Saxena murder: Delhi&#39;s Khyala area remains tense</a>

Police arrested woman&#39;s father Akbar Ali, mother Shahnaaz, a juvenile younger brother and uncle Mohd. Salim on February 2. They were produced before a court which sent them to judicial custody.

The woman claimed a threat to her life and was sent to Nari Niketan. The family of the deceased has been given security, police said.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-get-best-lawyer-to-get-ankit-justice-arvind-kejriwalon-ankit-saxenas-murder-31740">Arvind Kejriwal </a>expressed his regret over Ankit Saxena&#39;s murder and met with his kin.&nbsp;

He condemned the incident and noted that the government of Delhi will try its utmost to get the best lawyer to defend Saxena&#39;s case and ensure that the culprits are punished.&nbsp;

Ankit Saxena's father Yashpal said he will be 'thankful' if the Delhi government helps his family fight the case

Father of 23-year-old Ankit Saxena has now demanded death sentence for the culprit of his son's death. Ankit's father, Yashpal Saxena, said that he will be "thankful" if the Delhi government will help his family in fighting the case. "We want justice. Murderers of my son should get a death sentence. I am an ordinary man and I have no resources to fight the case. If Delhi government helps us in getting best advocates and making a strong case, I will be thankful," said Ankit's father. Ankit was stabbed to death in west Delhi's Khyala area on February 1 by his girlfriend's family members - who were against their relationship. Also read: Ankit Saxena murder: Delhi's Khyala area remains tense Police arrested woman's father Akbar Ali, mother Shahnaaz, a juvenile younger brother and uncle Mohd. Salim on February 2. They were produced before a court which sent them to judicial custody. The woman claimed a threat to her life and was sent to Nari Niketan. The family of the deceased has been given security, police said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his regret over Ankit Saxena's murder and met with his kin. He condemned the incident and noted that the government of Delhi will try its utmost to get the best lawyer to defend Saxena's case and ensure that the culprits are punished.

Father of Delhi photographer killed by lover's family demands death sentence

In a move to make schools more safe for children, the Delhi government on Wednesday announced to install CCTV cameras in each class in all government-run schools.

What is interesting to note is that the parents whose children study in government schools will have a real-time access to the CCTV footage of classrooms to ensure transparency and safety of children.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to announce the news on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He also tweeted that he reviewed the progress of installation of CCTV cameras, calling it a move to make the whole system transparent and accountable.

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Reviewed the progress of installation of CCTV cameras in each class in all govt schools. Each parent will be given access to see his child studying in class on realtime basis on his phone. This will make the whole system transparent and accountable. It will ensure safety of kids
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/953581363881426944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It is believed that the decision was in light of the infamous Ryan International School incident in Gurugram, where a 7-year-old Pradyuman Thakur was found dead with his throat slit in the school&#39;s washroom. &nbsp;

Parents will have a real-time access to the CCTV footage of classrooms

In a move to make schools more safe for children, the Delhi government on Wednesday announced to install CCTV cameras in each class in all government-run schools. What is interesting to note is that the parents whose children study in government schools will have a real-time access to the CCTV footage of classrooms to ensure transparency and safety of children. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to announce the news on Wednesday. He also tweeted that he reviewed the progress of installation of CCTV cameras, calling it a move to make the whole system transparent and accountable. Reviewed the progress of installation of CCTV cameras in each class in all govt schools. Each parent will be given access to see his child studying in class on realtime basis on his phone. This will make the whole system transparent and accountable. It will ensure safety of kids — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 17, 2018 × It is believed that the decision was in light of the infamous Ryan International School incident in Gurugram, where a 7-year-old Pradyuman Thakur was found dead with his throat slit in the school's washroom.

For kids' safety, Delhi to install CCTVs in all government schools

In order to provide quality education, the Delhi government today decided to introduce a new type of school named &#39;School of Excellence&#39; in the national capital.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisoida said these schools would impart education through English language and the admission process for nursery to class five and, Class nine and 11 would start from next year.

The new buildings of &#39;School of Excellence&#39; in Rohini, Khichdipur, Kalkaji, Madanpur Khadar and Dwarka are ready.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

At present, there are three categories of government-run schools in the national capital - Rajkiya Vidalaya, Pratibha Vikas Vidalya and Sarvodaya Vidalya.

Briefing the mediapersons about the Cabinet decisions, Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, said the government would set up a model of good education by opening the &#39;Schools of Excellence&#39;.

In Pratibha Vidalaya, students are admitted after entrance tests while in Sarvodaya and Rajkiya Vidalaya, there is no such condition, he said.

&quot;For admission to Schools of Excellence... Neighbourhood criteria will be followed. The number of seats in these schools would be limited. Twenty-five students in each section of the nursery to class five.

However, there will be written tests for admission in Class nine and Class 11,&quot; he said.

Apart from this, the Cabinet has also decided to set up a world-class skill centre in south-west Delhi&#39;s Jaunapur area.

&quot;The Cabinet has approved Rs 254 crore for setting up the world-class skill centre. Construction of the skill centre will be completed in the next two years,&quot; Sisodia said.

This would be second such skill centre in the national capital after one such facility in East Delhi&#39;s Vivek Area.

The new buildings of 'School of Excellence' in Rohini, Khichdipur, Kalkaji, Madanpur Khadar and Dwarka are ready.

In order to provide quality education, the Delhi government today decided to introduce a new type of school named 'School of Excellence' in the national capital. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisoida said these schools would impart education through English language and the admission process for nursery to class five and, Class nine and 11 would start from next year. The new buildings of 'School of Excellence' in Rohini, Khichdipur, Kalkaji, Madanpur Khadar and Dwarka are ready. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. At present, there are three categories of government-run schools in the national capital - Rajkiya Vidalaya, Pratibha Vikas Vidalya and Sarvodaya Vidalya. Briefing the mediapersons about the Cabinet decisions, Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, said the government would set up a model of good education by opening the 'Schools of Excellence'. In Pratibha Vidalaya, students are admitted after entrance tests while in Sarvodaya and Rajkiya Vidalaya, there is no such condition, he said. "For admission to Schools of Excellence... Neighbourhood criteria will be followed. The number of seats in these schools would be limited. Twenty-five students in each section of the nursery to class five. However, there will be written tests for admission in Class nine and Class 11," he said. Apart from this, the Cabinet has also decided to set up a world-class skill centre in south-west Delhi's Jaunapur area. "The Cabinet has approved Rs 254 crore for setting up the world-class skill centre. Construction of the skill centre will be completed in the next two years," Sisodia said. This would be second such skill centre in the national capital after one such facility in East Delhi's Vivek Area.

Delhi govt to introduce 'School of Excellence' for providing quality education

The family of a 58-year-old man, who was taken to Max Hospital in Shalimar Bagh on Christmas Day for treatment of a heart condition, has alleged that he died due to the hospital&#39;s negligence, a charge the upscale facility has denied. 
 
The allegation came weeks after the Court of the Financial Commissioner stayed an order of the Delhi government cancelling the hospital&#39;s licence for wrongly declaring a newborn dead. 
 
Sarika, 35, daughter of the deceased, Kamlesh Chander, said: &quot;We are devastated by the incident. Tomorrow, we will try to reach out to Health Minister J P Nadda and the chief medical officer of Delhi. We want justice.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;My father was on his feet when he visited the hospital on December 25. He was sweating, so they took him to the emergency ward and an ECG test was conducted. The test revealed that he had blockage in his arteries,&quot; she said. 
 
Sarika said an angiography was performed on her father and the doctors told the family that Chander would need a bypass surgery. 
 
&quot;While we discussed the matter, they came and informed us that stents have been put in his body. They did that without even asking us. More so, my father was admitted under the supervision of a doctor who was on leave. This is fraud and negligence,&quot; she alleged. 
 
&quot;A few hours later, my father died... We demand justice. 
 
We are waiting for the autopsy and after that&nbsp;we will organise the funeral,&quot; she said. 
 
The family said the hospital allegedly billed them Rs three lakh. 
 
&quot;We have submitted all relevant details and registered a complaint with the police,&quot; she said. 
 
A police official said inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC was initiated based on the complaint. 
 
&quot;A medical board will be constituted to carry out the autopsy. On the basis of the autopsy, further action will be taken,&quot; the official said. 
 
Max Healthcare in a statement said: &quot;The patient was brought to the emergency (ward) in the afternoon of December 25, with complaints of chest pain and breathlessness. Initial ECG confirmed acute STEMI.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a type of heart attack during which one of the heart&#39;s major arteries is blocked. 
 
&quot;Further investigation revealed Triple Vessel Disease blockage in three major arteries. The patient was 58 years old and had a history of diabetes, hypertension and smoking. 
 
Despite due efforts by the medical team, the patient could not be saved,&quot; it claimed. 
 
Sarika, however, countered the hospital&#39;s claim, saying, &quot;My father was a vegetarian, non-smoker and non-alcoholic.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Max Healthcare authorities said, &quot;We are really disturbed by the false allegation that the body was held pending payment. It is a part of our ethics charter to peacefully hand over the body under all circumstances.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Sarika has claimed that her father&#39;s body was first taken by the police to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, and from there to Safdarjung Hospital for post-mortem.

A few days back, the Delhi government had cancelled the hospital's licence for wrongly declaring a newborn dead

The family of a 58-year-old man, who was taken to Max Hospital in Shalimar Bagh on Christmas Day for treatment of a heart condition, has alleged that he died due to the hospital's negligence, a charge the upscale facility has denied. The allegation came weeks after the Court of the Financial Commissioner stayed an order of the Delhi government cancelling the hospital's licence for wrongly declaring a newborn dead. Sarika, 35, daughter of the deceased, Kamlesh Chander, said: "We are devastated by the incident. Tomorrow, we will try to reach out to Health Minister J P Nadda and the chief medical officer of Delhi. We want justice." "My father was on his feet when he visited the hospital on December 25. He was sweating, so they took him to the emergency ward and an ECG test was conducted. The test revealed that he had blockage in his arteries," she said. Sarika said an angiography was performed on her father and the doctors told the family that Chander would need a bypass surgery. "While we discussed the matter, they came and informed us that stents have been put in his body. They did that without even asking us. More so, my father was admitted under the supervision of a doctor who was on leave. This is fraud and negligence," she alleged. "A few hours later, my father died... We demand justice. We are waiting for the autopsy and after that we will organise the funeral," she said. The family said the hospital allegedly billed them Rs three lakh. "We have submitted all relevant details and registered a complaint with the police," she said. A police official said inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC was initiated based on the complaint. "A medical board will be constituted to carry out the autopsy. On the basis of the autopsy, further action will be taken," the official said. Max Healthcare in a statement said: "The patient was brought to the emergency (ward) in the afternoon of December 25, with complaints of chest pain and breathlessness. Initial ECG confirmed acute STEMI." ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a type of heart attack during which one of the heart's major arteries is blocked. "Further investigation revealed Triple Vessel Disease blockage in three major arteries. The patient was 58 years old and had a history of diabetes, hypertension and smoking. Despite due efforts by the medical team, the patient could not be saved," it claimed. Sarika, however, countered the hospital's claim, saying, "My father was a vegetarian, non-smoker and non-alcoholic." Max Healthcare authorities said, "We are really disturbed by the false allegation that the body was held pending payment. It is a part of our ethics charter to peacefully hand over the body under all circumstances." Sarika has claimed that her father's body was first taken by the police to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, and from there to Safdarjung Hospital for post-mortem.

Man dies at Max Hospital, family alleges negligence

The Delhi government announced on Tuesday that students in government schools will now get free coaching in their favourite sport.&nbsp;

The purpose behind this decision was to create an opportunity to government school students in sports and also make full use of the playgrounds.&nbsp;

The academics, clubs and coaches will have access to government school playgrounds and other related facilities after school hours and during holidays.&nbsp;

&quot;The scheme was launched on a pilot basis and now we have decided to take it forward. The academies which will be using the playgrounds will have to give free coaching to the students of the particular school,&quot; Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters.

&quot;They will be free to charge fees as per their own rates from the outsiders taking private coaching. However, 50 per cent of them have to be government school students in the national capital,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

&quot;We will seek applications from sports academies and clubs for the purpose,&quot; Mr Sisodia said.

Playgrounds of about 77 schools was rented by the government last year to be used by sports clubs and organisations for coaching classes.&nbsp;

The children will be trained in 31 sports - consisting of athletics, cricket, football, kho-kho, yoga, hockey, chess, among others.

Moreover, the government plans to formulate policies which will provide sports gear and equipment to children as they are usually unable to purchase them due to high cost.&nbsp;

The scheme comes following deputy chief ministers approval for international level sports complex worth Rs 122 crore in Najafgarh, which has also been agreed by FIFA this month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The coaching will be imparted by private academies which will then be allowed to make use of government school playgrounds

The Delhi government announced on Tuesday that students in government schools will now get free coaching in their favourite sport. The purpose behind this decision was to create an opportunity to government school students in sports and also make full use of the playgrounds. The academics, clubs and coaches will have access to government school playgrounds and other related facilities after school hours and during holidays. "The scheme was launched on a pilot basis and now we have decided to take it forward. The academies which will be using the playgrounds will have to give free coaching to the students of the particular school," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters. "They will be free to charge fees as per their own rates from the outsiders taking private coaching. However, 50 per cent of them have to be government school students in the national capital," he added. "We will seek applications from sports academies and clubs for the purpose," Mr Sisodia said. Playgrounds of about 77 schools was rented by the government last year to be used by sports clubs and organisations for coaching classes. The children will be trained in 31 sports - consisting of athletics, cricket, football, kho-kho, yoga, hockey, chess, among others. Moreover, the government plans to formulate policies which will provide sports gear and equipment to children as they are usually unable to purchase them due to high cost. The scheme comes following deputy chief ministers approval for international level sports complex worth Rs 122 crore in Najafgarh, which has also been agreed by FIFA this month.

Delhi government schoolkids to get free coaching in favourite sports

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government&#39;s proposal to home deliver 40 government services.&nbsp;

The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.&nbsp;

Sisodia said the LG had thought the digitisation of the services was enough.&nbsp;

Sisodia however said on Twitter that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were &quot;long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)&quot;.&nbsp;

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LG rejects proposal of doorstep delivery of 40 govt services like caste-birth-address certificates, licences, social welfare schemes, pensions, registrations..etc 
 
LG sends it back for reconsideration. LG says digitalization of services enough. No need for doorstep delivery. 1/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945640419903205381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Most of these services r already digital. Yet, long queues in offices. Despite digitalization, most people still hv to run around govt offices with docs etc. Under doorstep delivery scheme, a govt rep wud visit ur house on a ph call to collect, certify n upload ur docs.2/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641013292318721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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LG has taken decision without knowing field reality. Announcement of doorstep delivery scheme was welcomed by all sections of society. 
 
Huge setback in Del govt&rsquo;s efforts to provide good and corruption free governance.. 3/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641203931889664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Should LG have power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures? Public hugely suffering because of that... 4/4
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641381145354240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He added that the &quot;LG has taken decision without knowing field reality.&quot;&nbsp;

And that this was a huge setback to the Delhi government&#39;s efforts to &quot;provide good and corruption free governance&quot;.&nbsp;

Sisodia also wondered whether the LG should have the &quot;power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures?&quot;

He said that the public was &quot;hugely suffering because of that&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Today I feel sad for people of Delhi,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

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LG says digitisation enough. 
 
Elected govt says digitisation needs to be coupled wid doorstep delivery 
 
LG does not agree 
 
So, the question is - in a democracy, in such a situation, who shud have final say - LG or elected govt?? <a href="https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa">https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa</a>
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/945845187061858304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government's proposal to home deliver 40 government services. The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions. Sisodia said the LG had thought the digitisation of the services was enough. Sisodia however said on Twitter that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were "long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)". LG rejects proposal of doorstep delivery of 40 govt services like caste-birth-address certificates, licences, social welfare schemes, pensions, registrations..etc LG sends it back for reconsideration. LG says digitalization of services enough. No need for doorstep delivery. 1/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × Most of these services r already digital. Yet, long queues in offices. Despite digitalization, most people still hv to run around govt offices with docs etc. Under doorstep delivery scheme, a govt rep wud visit ur house on a ph call to collect, certify n upload ur docs.2/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × LG has taken decision without knowing field reality. Announcement of doorstep delivery scheme was welcomed by all sections of society. Huge setback in Del govt’s efforts to provide good and corruption free governance.. 3/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × Should LG have power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures? Public hugely suffering because of that... 4/4 — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × He added that the "LG has taken decision without knowing field reality." And that this was a huge setback to the Delhi government's efforts to "provide good and corruption free governance". Sisodia also wondered whether the LG should have the "power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures?" He said that the public was "hugely suffering because of that". "Today I feel sad for people of Delhi," he added. LG says digitisation enough. Elected govt says digitisation needs to be coupled wid doorstep delivery LG does not agree So, the question is - in a democracy, in such a situation, who shud have final say - LG or elected govt?? https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 27, 2017 ×

Delhi plans home delivery of 40 government services, LG says no

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-slashes-un-budget-after-jerusalem-vote-27808">US slashes UN budget after Jerusalem vote</a>

The US says it has negotiated a $285 million cut to the UN&#39;s budget for 2018. The budget cut comes a few days after a majority of UN member countries voted against US President Donald Trump&#39;s decision to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-school-students-to-get-free-coaching-in-favourite-sport-27810">Delhi government school students to get free coaching in favourite sport</a>

The Delhi government announced on Tuesday that students in government schools will now get free coaching in their favourite sport. The academics, clubs and coaches will have access to government school playgrounds and other related facilities after school hours and during holidays.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/singer-joy-villa-accuses-trumps-former-campaign-managercorey-lewandowski-for-sexual-assault-27805">Singer Joy Villa accuses ex-Trump campaign manager of sexual assault</a>

Joy Villa, singer and a potential congressional candidate said Tuesday that she filed a sexual assault complaint against President Donald Trump&rsquo;s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski for hitting her twice on her buttocks during a Washington gathering in November.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jairam-thakur-to-be-sworn-in-as-himachal-pradesh-chief-minister-today-27800">Jairam Thakur to be sworn in as Himachal chief minister today</a>

Jairam Thakur will be sworn in as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh today. The ceremony, to be held at the Ridge ground in Shimla, is expected to begin at 11 am.&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending, as will a number of other BJP leaders.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-plans-home-delivery-of-40-government-services-lg-says-no-27811">Delhi plans home delivery of 40 government services, LG says no</a>

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government&#39;s proposal to home deliver 40 government services. The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.&nbsp;

US slashes UN budget after Jerusalem vote The US says it has negotiated a $285 million cut to the UN's budget for 2018. The budget cut comes a few days after a majority of UN member countries voted against US President Donald Trump's decision to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Delhi government school students to get free coaching in favourite sport The Delhi government announced on Tuesday that students in government schools will now get free coaching in their favourite sport. The academics, clubs and coaches will have access to government school playgrounds and other related facilities after school hours and during holidays. Singer Joy Villa accuses ex-Trump campaign manager of sexual assault Joy Villa, singer and a potential congressional candidate said Tuesday that she filed a sexual assault complaint against President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski for hitting her twice on her buttocks during a Washington gathering in November. Jairam Thakur to be sworn in as Himachal chief minister today Jairam Thakur will be sworn in as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh today. The ceremony, to be held at the Ridge ground in Shimla, is expected to begin at 11 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending, as will a number of other BJP leaders. Delhi plans home delivery of 40 government services, LG says no Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government's proposal to home deliver 40 government services. The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.

WION morning news brief, December 27, 2017

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday again turned down Delhi government&#39;s review plea seeking an exemption to the women drivers and two-wheelers from the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme.

The green tribunal, which last month too rejected the same plea, observed that exemption to two-wheelers is completely against the spirit of the odd-even policy.

It also ruled that any exemptions would only defeat the purpose of the scheme as there are 60 lakh two-wheelers plying in Delhi which carry a lesser number of passengers and are more polluting, since they subscribe to older emission norms.

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NGT dismissed review application filed by Delhi government on Odd-Even issue, observed that exemption to two-wheelers is against the spirit of Odd-Even policy.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941611746275442688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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NGT ruled that any exemptions would only defeat purpose of the scheme since there are 60 lakh two wheelers plying in Delhi, carry lesser number of passengers and are more polluting since they subscribe to older emission norms
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941620777366851586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The court also observed that the application of the car-rationing scheme was based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and not any sort of discretion.

The move came as a blow to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s plan to implement the scheme anytime soon&nbsp;after the national capital witnessed &quot;severe&quot;&nbsp;and &quot;emergency&quot;&nbsp;levels of air quality.

The Delhi government was set to roll out the odd-even scheme from 13-17 November but shelved the plan after NGT ruled against the exemptions provided in it.&nbsp;

The court said that any exemptions would only defeat the purpose of the scheme

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday again turned down Delhi government's review plea seeking an exemption to the women drivers and two-wheelers from the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme. The green tribunal, which last month too rejected the same plea, observed that exemption to two-wheelers is completely against the spirit of the odd-even policy. It also ruled that any exemptions would only defeat the purpose of the scheme as there are 60 lakh two-wheelers plying in Delhi which carry a lesser number of passengers and are more polluting, since they subscribe to older emission norms. NGT dismissed review application filed by Delhi government on Odd-Even issue, observed that exemption to two-wheelers is against the spirit of Odd-Even policy. — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2017 × NGT ruled that any exemptions would only defeat purpose of the scheme since there are 60 lakh two wheelers plying in Delhi, carry lesser number of passengers and are more polluting since they subscribe to older emission norms — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2017 × The court also observed that the application of the car-rationing scheme was based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and not any sort of discretion. The move came as a blow to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plan to implement the scheme anytime soon after the national capital witnessed "severe" and "emergency" levels of air quality. The Delhi government was set to roll out the odd-even scheme from 13-17 November but shelved the plan after NGT ruled against the exemptions provided in it.

NGT dismisses Delhi govt's odd-even review plea, says any exemption is against the policy'

Max Healthcare today moved a &quot;government authority&quot; against the cancellation of licence of its hospital in Shalimar Bagh in north-west Delhi, even as it appealed to the DGHS to &quot;reconsider&quot; its decision.

The development comes four days after the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the Delhi government&#39;s health department had cancelled the licence of the hospital for alleged medical negligence in multiple instances, including a case in which one of the twins was found alive after being declared dead by doctors.

&quot;Following the due process of law, we have filed an appeal with the appropriate authority against the cancellation of registration of Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh,&quot; the Max group said in a statement tonight.

A spokesperson of the Max Healthcare, when asked to elaborate on the appropriate authority approached, only said, &quot;It is not a court authority but a government authority.

And, the appeal was filed today.&quot;&nbsp;

The hospital group also appealed to the government to &quot;reconsider their decision of cancelling the hospital&#39;s registration&quot;.

&quot;Earlier, we had also requested the Delhi government to review their decision and restore the registration,&quot; the statement said, while claiming that the &quot;decision has caused significant inconvenience to thousands of patients and local residents and this is further compounded by the unavailability of suitable alternatives for their medical needs in the vicinity&quot;.

Max Healthcare authorities declined to share details on the appropriate government authority approached by them.

However, Delhi High Court advocate Ashok Agarwal, claimed, in such cases, &quot;the appellate authority is the Lt Governor&#39;s office&quot;.

&quot;As per the Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953, in cases related to the cancellation of licence, the appellate authority is the L-G office,&quot; Agarwal, also a member of the Delhi High Court-appointed EWS Monitoring Committee for hospitals, said.

Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh on a monthly basis treats around 14,000 patients in the OPD, attends to over 1,600 emergency patients and additional 3,000 are treated in inpatient wards, the hospital group said.

&quot;In compliance with the cancellation order, not only did we have to turn down the OPD and new IPD but, planned procedures such as 171 chemotherapies, 63 surgeries and 241 dialysis sessions had to be cancelled, rescheduled or transferred,&quot; the hospital group claimed in the statement.

&quot;In the interest of public welfare, we urge the government to reconsider their decision of cancelling the hospital&#39;s registration,&quot; it said.

The Max Hospital case pertains to one of the premature twins, wrongly declared dead on November 30 at the hospital where he was born, and who died during treatment at a nursing home in Pitampura a week later.

Both the babies were declared stillborn by the hospital and handed over to the family allegedly in a polythene bag.

But to their utter horror, they found that the boy was still alive, while they were on way to do their final rites.

"Following the due process of law, we have filed an appeal with the appropriate authority against the cancellation of registration of Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh," the Max group said in a statement tonight.

Max Healthcare today moved a "government authority" against the cancellation of licence of its hospital in Shalimar Bagh in north-west Delhi, even as it appealed to the DGHS to "reconsider" its decision. The development comes four days after the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the Delhi government's health department had cancelled the licence of the hospital for alleged medical negligence in multiple instances, including a case in which one of the twins was found alive after being declared dead by doctors. "Following the due process of law, we have filed an appeal with the appropriate authority against the cancellation of registration of Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh," the Max group said in a statement tonight. A spokesperson of the Max Healthcare, when asked to elaborate on the appropriate authority approached, only said, "It is not a court authority but a government authority. And, the appeal was filed today." The hospital group also appealed to the government to "reconsider their decision of cancelling the hospital's registration". "Earlier, we had also requested the Delhi government to review their decision and restore the registration," the statement said, while claiming that the "decision has caused significant inconvenience to thousands of patients and local residents and this is further compounded by the unavailability of suitable alternatives for their medical needs in the vicinity". Max Healthcare authorities declined to share details on the appropriate government authority approached by them. However, Delhi High Court advocate Ashok Agarwal, claimed, in such cases, "the appellate authority is the Lt Governor's office". "As per the Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953, in cases related to the cancellation of licence, the appellate authority is the L-G office," Agarwal, also a member of the Delhi High Court-appointed EWS Monitoring Committee for hospitals, said. Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh on a monthly basis treats around 14,000 patients in the OPD, attends to over 1,600 emergency patients and additional 3,000 are treated in inpatient wards, the hospital group said. "In compliance with the cancellation order, not only did we have to turn down the OPD and new IPD but, planned procedures such as 171 chemotherapies, 63 surgeries and 241 dialysis sessions had to be cancelled, rescheduled or transferred," the hospital group claimed in the statement. "In the interest of public welfare, we urge the government to reconsider their decision of cancelling the hospital's registration," it said. The Max Hospital case pertains to one of the premature twins, wrongly declared dead on November 30 at the hospital where he was born, and who died during treatment at a nursing home in Pitampura a week later. Both the babies were declared stillborn by the hospital and handed over to the family allegedly in a polythene bag. But to their utter horror, they found that the boy was still alive, while they were on way to do their final rites.

Max group moves govt authority on licence cancellation

The Delhi High court has rebuked the AAP government over their decision to provide compensation and job to the family of ex-Armyman.

Ex-Armyman Ram Kishan Grewal had committed suicide on November 2016 while protesting against One Rank One Pension (OROP) after which the Delhi government decided to confer the status of&nbsp;&quot;martyr&quot;. The government also assured a sum of Rs 1 crore along with a job to his family.

The Delhi High Court responded to the decision by saying government was &quot;setting a trend - commit suicide and get Rs 1 crore compensation.&quot;

It added, &quot;Imagine you are setting a trend, commit suicide and get Rs 1 crore compensation. And, when you are giving Rs 1 crore compensation to his family, where is the question of compensatory employment?&quot; a bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said.

The court&#39;s rebuke came after two petitions were filed in the court against the Delhi government&#39;s decision to accord the status of martyr to Ram Kishan Grewal.

The court also rejected the two pleas citing that it was premature and not maintainable at this stage. It also added that the Lieutenant Governor was to take a decision on the matter.&nbsp;

The Delhi Government has also announced to declare the Rajasthan based politician cum farmer Gajendra Singh Kalyanwat as a marytr. He had allegedly committed suicide during an anti-land bill rally by AAP at Jantar Mantar on April 22, 2015.

The court again dismissed a plea seeking the rejection of Delhi government&#39;s decision on Gajendra Singh Kalyanwat. The courts&nbsp;dismissal was based on the argument that the petition was devoid of merit and the petitioner was unable to place legal explanation of the term &quot;martyr&quot;

Ex-Armyman Ram Kishan Grewal had committed suicide

The Delhi High court has rebuked the AAP government over their decision to provide compensation and job to the family of ex-Armyman. Ex-Armyman Ram Kishan Grewal had committed suicide on November 2016 while protesting against One Rank One Pension (OROP) after which the Delhi government decided to confer the status of "martyr". The government also assured a sum of Rs 1 crore along with a job to his family. The Delhi High Court responded to the decision by saying government was "setting a trend - commit suicide and get Rs 1 crore compensation." It added, "Imagine you are setting a trend, commit suicide and get Rs 1 crore compensation. And, when you are giving Rs 1 crore compensation to his family, where is the question of compensatory employment?" a bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said. The court's rebuke came after two petitions were filed in the court against the Delhi government's decision to accord the status of martyr to Ram Kishan Grewal. The court also rejected the two pleas citing that it was premature and not maintainable at this stage. It also added that the Lieutenant Governor was to take a decision on the matter. The Delhi Government has also announced to declare the Rajasthan based politician cum farmer Gajendra Singh Kalyanwat as a marytr. He had allegedly committed suicide during an anti-land bill rally by AAP at Jantar Mantar on April 22, 2015. The court again dismissed a plea seeking the rejection of Delhi government's decision on Gajendra Singh Kalyanwat. The courts dismissal was based on the argument that the petition was devoid of merit and the petitioner was unable to place legal explanation of the term "martyr"

Delhi govt setting a trend - commit suicide and get Rs 1 crore compensation: Delhi high court

The closure of the Max hospital at Shalimar Bagh has severely inconvenienced its patients.

The hospital has been allowed to continue treating existing patients but is not allowed to take in new ones.&nbsp;

People visiting the out-patient department are being told to go elsewhere.&nbsp;

A relative of one such patient lashed out at the Delhi government on Sunday.&nbsp;

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Coming here for past 5 months for routine pregnancy tests of my Bhabhi for free. Gynae wasn&#39;t feeling heartbeats of fetus so we came for test yesterday but OPD was locked. If the child dies, will Delhi govt. take responsibility?: Patient&#39;s relative at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaxHospital?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaxHospital</a>, Shalimar Bagh <a href="https://t.co/T1DMXqWoRx">pic.twitter.com/T1DMXqWoRx</a>
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He said he had been coming to Max, Shalimar Bagh for the past five months with his sister-in-law.&nbsp;

His sister-in-law he said is pregnant.&nbsp;

But on Saturday, he said, they were turned away.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He added that he had come to Max on Saturday because a gyanecologist was unable to hear his sister-in-law&#39;s foetus&#39; heartbeat.&nbsp;

There have been other similar media report. Of patient trying to access essential services like dialysis being told to go elsewhere.

The Delhi government had cancelled the hospital&#39;s licence after it incorrectly declared a newborn dead.&nbsp;

Premature newborn twins -- a boy and a girl -- had been declared dead on on November 30.&nbsp;

The twins were handed over to their parents in plastic bags.&nbsp;

On the way to the crematorium however, the parents realised that the boy was still alive.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-govt-wont-hesitate-in-acting-against-erring-hospitals-says-arvind-kejriwal-26331" target="_blank">Delhi government won&#39;t hesitate to act against erring private hospitals, says Kejriwal</a>&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/baby-wrongly-declared-dead-by-max-hospital-passes-away-26023" target="_blank">Newborn incorrectly declared dead by Max hospital dies</a>

The boy however also died later.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The man had come to the Max hospital in Shalimar Bagh because a gynaecologist could not hear the heartbeat of his sister-in-law's foetus

The closure of the Max hospital at Shalimar Bagh has severely inconvenienced its patients. The hospital has been allowed to continue treating existing patients but is not allowed to take in new ones. People visiting the out-patient department are being told to go elsewhere. A relative of one such patient lashed out at the Delhi government on Sunday. Coming here for past 5 months for routine pregnancy tests of my Bhabhi for free. Gynae wasn't feeling heartbeats of fetus so we came for test yesterday but OPD was locked. If the child dies, will Delhi govt. take responsibility?: Patient's relative at #MaxHospital, Shalimar Bagh pic.twitter.com/T1DMXqWoRx — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2017 × He said he had been coming to Max, Shalimar Bagh for the past five months with his sister-in-law. His sister-in-law he said is pregnant. But on Saturday, he said, they were turned away. He added that he had come to Max on Saturday because a gyanecologist was unable to hear his sister-in-law's foetus' heartbeat. There have been other similar media report. Of patient trying to access essential services like dialysis being told to go elsewhere. The Delhi government had cancelled the hospital's licence after it incorrectly declared a newborn dead. Premature newborn twins -- a boy and a girl -- had been declared dead on on November 30. The twins were handed over to their parents in plastic bags. On the way to the crematorium however, the parents realised that the boy was still alive. Also read: Delhi government won't hesitate to act against erring private hospitals, says Kejriwal Also read: Newborn incorrectly declared dead by Max hospital dies The boy however also died later.

At closed Max hospital, man asks: If child dies, will Delhi government take responsibility?

A premature baby, who was delivered in Max Hospital and wrongly declared dead last week, has died during treatment, police said today.

The baby, born on November 30, died last evening, Aslam Khan, deputy commissioner of police (northwest), confirmed the news.

A panel formed by the Delhi government to look into the case yesterday found Max hospital guilty of not following prescribed medical norms in dealing with newborn infants. The case relates to the birth of twins (a boy and a girl) on November 30. The parents alleged the babies were declared dead by Max hospital in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi but that they later discovered the boy was alive.

The parents said they were told by the hospital that both babies were stillborn.

The infants were handed over to them in a polythene bag, they said.

Just before their last rites, the family discovered that the baby boy was still breathing, police said.

On December 2, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said the hospital&#39;s licence could be cancelled if a probe found it guilty of medical negligence.&nbsp;

The baby boy, born on November 30, died last evening

A premature baby, who was delivered in Max Hospital and wrongly declared dead last week, has died during treatment, police said today. The baby, born on November 30, died last evening, Aslam Khan, deputy commissioner of police (northwest), confirmed the news. A panel formed by the Delhi government to look into the case yesterday found Max hospital guilty of not following prescribed medical norms in dealing with newborn infants. The case relates to the birth of twins (a boy and a girl) on November 30. The parents alleged the babies were declared dead by Max hospital in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi but that they later discovered the boy was alive. The parents said they were told by the hospital that both babies were stillborn. The infants were handed over to them in a polythene bag, they said. Just before their last rites, the family discovered that the baby boy was still breathing, police said. On December 2, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said the hospital's licence could be cancelled if a probe found it guilty of medical negligence.

Newborn incorrectly declared dead by Max hospital dies

Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has said Centre is ready to help Delhi government in tackling pollution, adding that odd-even car rationing scheme is not going to help.

&ldquo;The Delhi government should add electric buses in its transport fleet if it wants to curb pollution. The Centre is ready to help in every possible way,&rdquo; Gadkari said in a letter to Union environment minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

In the letter, Gadkari suggested forming a panel of experts before deciding a course of action to combat pollution in Delhi. &ldquo;The odd-even scheme is not going to help,&rdquo; Gadkari said.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi governments on the petition on stubble burning and dust pollution.

Stating that it&#39;s an emergency situation, the Supreme Court sought expeditious action from the authorities.

The Delhi High Court had on November 9 issued a slew of directions to improve air quality of Delhi.

Calling it an &quot;emergency situation&quot;, the high court had asked the government to consider the option of &quot;cloud seeding&quot; to induce rainfall artificially, as an immediate step to bring down the dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere.

It had directed the Delhi government to seriously consider a ban on further construction in the city to the extent possible and implementing the &#39;odd-even&#39; vehicle usage scheme as a short term measure.

?The Delhi government should add electric buses in its transport fleet if it wants to curb pollution. The Centre is ready to help in every possible way,? Gadkari said in a letter to Union environment minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has said Centre is ready to help Delhi government in tackling pollution, adding that odd-even car rationing scheme is not going to help. “The Delhi government should add electric buses in its transport fleet if it wants to curb pollution. The Centre is ready to help in every possible way,” Gadkari said in a letter to Union environment minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. In the letter, Gadkari suggested forming a panel of experts before deciding a course of action to combat pollution in Delhi. “The odd-even scheme is not going to help,” Gadkari said. The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi governments on the petition on stubble burning and dust pollution. Stating that it's an emergency situation, the Supreme Court sought expeditious action from the authorities. The Delhi High Court had on November 9 issued a slew of directions to improve air quality of Delhi. Calling it an "emergency situation", the high court had asked the government to consider the option of "cloud seeding" to induce rainfall artificially, as an immediate step to bring down the dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere. It had directed the Delhi government to seriously consider a ban on further construction in the city to the extent possible and implementing the 'odd-even' vehicle usage scheme as a short term measure.

Odd-even won't help, Centre ready to step in: Nitin Gadkari on Delhi pollution

The Delhi government has filed an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGTs previous directions.&nbsp;

The Tribunal will hear the plea tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Delhi Government files an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGT&#39;s previous directions. Tribunal likely to hear the plea, tomorrow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929992993062371328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government had ordered the implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today.

However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal&#39;s(NGT) said none of the vehicles would be exempted.

The government had exempted women, government officials and two-wheelers from the rationing.

The government claimed&nbsp;that the exemption was&nbsp;done keeping in mind the security of women in the city.

Also, the two-wheelers were exempted because the city does not have enough bus services to support the increase in the passengers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Delhi government has filed an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGTs previous directions. The Tribunal will hear the plea tomorrow. Delhi Government files an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGT's previous directions. Tribunal likely to hear the plea, tomorrow #OddEven #AirPollution — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government had ordered the implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today. However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal's(NGT) said none of the vehicles would be exempted. The government had exempted women, government officials and two-wheelers from the rationing. The government claimed that the exemption was done keeping in mind the security of women in the city. Also, the two-wheelers were exempted because the city does not have enough bus services to support the increase in the passengers.

Delhi government files plea in NGT seeking changes in its previous directions

The National Green Tribunal has given its nod to the odd-even scheme.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLASH</a>: National Green Tribunal gives nod to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a> scheme. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/zfL3204gh9">pic.twitter.com/zfL3204gh9</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929241977253642240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The scheme, as proposed by the Delhi government, will be rolled out on Monday.&nbsp;

During the scheme, cars with number plates ending with an odd number will be allowed to ply only on odd dates (1, 3, 5 etc). And vice-versa with cars with number plates ending with an even number.&nbsp;

While giving its nod, the NGT added that there would be no exemptions for two-wheelers, women, or government servants, as was the case the last time the scheme was rolled out.&nbsp;

Emergency vehicles however will be exempt.&nbsp;

The scheme, as proposed by the Delhi government, will be rolled out on Monday

The National Green Tribunal has given its nod to the odd-even scheme. #FLASH: National Green Tribunal gives nod to the #OddEven scheme. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/zfL3204gh9 — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × The scheme, as proposed by the Delhi government, will be rolled out on Monday. During the scheme, cars with number plates ending with an odd number will be allowed to ply only on odd dates (1, 3, 5 etc). And vice-versa with cars with number plates ending with an even number. While giving its nod, the NGT added that there would be no exemptions for two-wheelers, women, or government servants, as was the case the last time the scheme was rolled out. Emergency vehicles however will be exempt.

Odd-even gets NGT nod; no exemptions for two-wheelers, women, govt servants

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hold a crucial hearing today on Delhi government&rsquo;s decision to implement the odd-even scheme to control traffic in view of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/delhis-anti-pollution-action-plan-stop-use-of-firewood-coal-in-eateries-6592">high level of pollutants</a> in the air.

The&nbsp;NGT has asked Delhi government on the rationale behind application of the car rationing scheme and&nbsp;produce before it the details of ambient air quality during earlier odd-even schemes.

It will hear the case at 2pm today.

On Thursday, Delhi Transport minister&nbsp;Kailash Gehlot had said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-set-to-enforce-odd-even-scheme-for-private-vehicles-next-week-report-23820">odd-even number scheme</a> for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital.

&quot;Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the&nbsp;same as&nbsp;last time,&quot; the minister had said.

Women drivers, two-wheelers and vehicles carrying children in school uniforms, besides VVIPs will be kept out of the ambit of the scheme under which cars bearing registration numbers ending with odd digits are allowed to ply on odd dates while those ending with even digits run on even dates.

Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had directed the transport department to start preparing for the odd-even scheme.

Baijal had also ordered&nbsp;Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning.

Meanwhile, a&nbsp;graph containing the hourly-levels of ultrafine particulates PM2.5 and PM10 showed a distinct downward curve from around 12pm for the first time since Tuesday when the concentration of these pollutants breached the emergency scale.

A task force of the CPCB, which met to review the measures taken under the Graded Response Action Plan, concluded that the level of pollution will come down to the &#39;very poor&#39; category on Saturday, two notches below the &#39;emergency category&#39; prevailing now.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hold a crucial hearing today on Delhi government?s decision to implement the odd-even scheme to control traffic in view of the high level of pollutants in the air.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hold a crucial hearing today on Delhi government’s decision to implement the odd-even scheme to control traffic in view of the high level of pollutants in the air. The NGT has asked Delhi government on the rationale behind application of the car rationing scheme and produce before it the details of ambient air quality during earlier odd-even schemes. It will hear the case at 2pm today. On Thursday, Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gehlot had said that the odd-even number scheme for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital. "Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the same as last time," the minister had said. Women drivers, two-wheelers and vehicles carrying children in school uniforms, besides VVIPs will be kept out of the ambit of the scheme under which cars bearing registration numbers ending with odd digits are allowed to ply on odd dates while those ending with even digits run on even dates. Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had directed the transport department to start preparing for the odd-even scheme. Baijal had also ordered Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. Meanwhile, a graph containing the hourly-levels of ultrafine particulates PM2.5 and PM10 showed a distinct downward curve from around 12pm for the first time since Tuesday when the concentration of these pollutants breached the emergency scale. A task force of the CPCB, which met to review the measures taken under the Graded Response Action Plan, concluded that the level of pollution will come down to the 'very poor' category on Saturday, two notches below the 'emergency category' prevailing now.

Tell us rationale behind launching odd-even scheme: NGT asks Delhi govt

Delhi Transport minister&nbsp;Kailash Gehlot said today the odd-even number scheme for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital.

&quot;Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the&nbsp;same as&nbsp;last time,&quot; the minister said.

&quot;IGL stickers for cars will be available from tomorrow at 22 CNG stations across Delhi, he said, adding,&quot;extra buses are being arranged.&quot;

In fact, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for the odd-even scheme.

Baijal had also ordered&nbsp;Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning.

In addition, Delhi Metro parking rates were&nbsp;increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles.

Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR till November 14, alarmed over the skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the city.&nbsp;

The tribunal pulled up the Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states, and asked them to see the &quot;pitiable condition&quot; of people in hospitals and the way their lives are being played with.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for the odd-even scheme.

Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gehlot said today the odd-even number scheme for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital. "Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the same as last time," the minister said. "IGL stickers for cars will be available from tomorrow at 22 CNG stations across Delhi, he said, adding,"extra buses are being arranged." In fact, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for the odd-even scheme. Baijal had also ordered Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. In addition, Delhi Metro parking rates were increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles. Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR till November 14, alarmed over the skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the city. The tribunal pulled up the Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states, and asked them to see the "pitiable condition" of people in hospitals and the way their lives are being played with.

Odd-even to be in place from Nov 13-17 with same exemptions: Delhi Transport minister

The Delhi government may bring back the odd-even scheme to restrict the number of cars on the road in view of the increase in pollution levels, transport minister Kailash Gahlot has said. 
 
The minister yesterday wrote to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and senior officials of his ministry, asking them to be &#39;fully geared up&#39; for implementation of the odd-even scheme &#39;as and when&#39;&nbsp;it is announced. 
 
&quot;With the increase in pollution levels in Delhi, the government may have to resort to emergency measures, including the odd-even scheme,&quot; he said. 
 
The scheme, based on the last digit of the vehicle&#39;s registration number of vehicles, was implemented twice in 2016 -- from January 1-15 and April 15-30. Under the scheme, odd and even numbered vehicles ply on alternate days.

It can be implemented when air pollution levels are in the &#39;emergency&#39; category for 48 hours or more. 
 
Last week, the Supreme Court appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), a body empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), had said it would not hesitate to enforce the &#39;odd-even&#39; plan, order cars off roads, and shut schools if needed. 
 
GRAP was notified by the Centre in January this year following an order by the apex court in November 2016. 
 
According to Gahlot, procurement of additional buses by DTC would be the &quot;main component&quot; of readiness in case the odd-even scheme is implemented. 
 
A major challenge in implementing the scheme is poor public transport facilities, despite a well developed Delhi Metro network. 
 
The DTC has a fleet of around 4,000 buses, while the Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System (DIMTS) runs over 1,600 buses under the cluster scheme. Experts estimate that the city needs about 11,000 buses to cover all areas. 
 
EPCA has already taken tough measures like shutting the Badarpur thermal power plant and brick kilns and banning generators after air pollution levels hit the &#39;Very Poor&#39; and &#39;Severe&#39; categories.

Kailash Gahlot wrote to the Delhi Transport Corporation and senior officials in his ministry on Wednesday, asking them to be 'fully geared up' to implement the scheme 'as and when'?it is announced

The Delhi government may bring back the odd-even scheme to restrict the number of cars on the road in view of the increase in pollution levels, transport minister Kailash Gahlot has said. The minister yesterday wrote to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and senior officials of his ministry, asking them to be 'fully geared up' for implementation of the odd-even scheme 'as and when' it is announced. "With the increase in pollution levels in Delhi, the government may have to resort to emergency measures, including the odd-even scheme," he said. The scheme, based on the last digit of the vehicle's registration number of vehicles, was implemented twice in 2016 -- from January 1-15 and April 15-30. Under the scheme, odd and even numbered vehicles ply on alternate days. It can be implemented when air pollution levels are in the 'emergency' category for 48 hours or more. Last week, the Supreme Court appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), a body empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), had said it would not hesitate to enforce the 'odd-even' plan, order cars off roads, and shut schools if needed. GRAP was notified by the Centre in January this year following an order by the apex court in November 2016. According to Gahlot, procurement of additional buses by DTC would be the "main component" of readiness in case the odd-even scheme is implemented. A major challenge in implementing the scheme is poor public transport facilities, despite a well developed Delhi Metro network. The DTC has a fleet of around 4,000 buses, while the Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System (DIMTS) runs over 1,600 buses under the cluster scheme. Experts estimate that the city needs about 11,000 buses to cover all areas. EPCA has already taken tough measures like shutting the Badarpur thermal power plant and brick kilns and banning generators after air pollution levels hit the 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' categories.

Odd-even scheme may be back: Delhi transport minister

Seeking assistance in lowering the pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has written to the Centre asking for aerial sprinkling of water through helicopter.

In a letter to Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi&rsquo;s Environment Minister Imran Hussain has said that Delhi government is ready to bear the cost of the exercise.

&quot;In view of the continuous poor air quality in Delhi, it is requested that your good office may kindly propose to Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India to carry out an exercise to sprinkle water aerially through helicopter/aircraft to settle particulate matters in Delhi. Government of NCT of Delhi is willing to bear the expenses from Air Ambience Fund of DPCC,&quot; Hussain said in his letter.

READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW:

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Delhi minister&#39;s letter to Harsh Vardhan (WION)
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Delhi registered a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/environment-minister-claims-very-good-air-quality-in-delhi-anand-vihar-continues-to-show-hazardous-aqi-22737">marginal drop in pollution levels</a> in days after Diwali, but many areas of the national capital have very poor air quality. With and Air Quality Index (AQI) of 569, the pollution levels at Delhi&#39;s Anand Vihar was marked&nbsp;&quot;Hazardous&quot; whereas the air quality at RK Puram and ITO was rated &quot;Very Unhealthy&quot; with 239 and 251&nbsp;(AQI) respectively.

This comes days after Harsh Vardhan tweeted to say that the&nbsp;air quality in Delhi has been very good this year.&nbsp;

&quot;We are on the right path,&#39;&#39; the minister said and added that good days have improved.

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-lift-ban-on-firecrackers-in-delhi-ncr-says-its-an-experiment-for-1-year-22393">Supreme Court had recently banned sale of firecrackers</a>&nbsp;to regulate the pollution caused by crackers during Diwali this year.

Delhi registered a marginal drop in pollution levels in days after Diwali, but many areas of the national capital have very poor air quality.

Seeking assistance in lowering the pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has written to the Centre asking for aerial sprinkling of water through helicopter. In a letter to Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi’s Environment Minister Imran Hussain has said that Delhi government is ready to bear the cost of the exercise. "In view of the continuous poor air quality in Delhi, it is requested that your good office may kindly propose to Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India to carry out an exercise to sprinkle water aerially through helicopter/aircraft to settle particulate matters in Delhi. Government of NCT of Delhi is willing to bear the expenses from Air Ambience Fund of DPCC," Hussain said in his letter. READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW: Delhi minister's letter to Harsh Vardhan (WION) × Delhi registered a marginal drop in pollution levels in days after Diwali, but many areas of the national capital have very poor air quality. With and Air Quality Index (AQI) of 569, the pollution levels at Delhi's Anand Vihar was marked "Hazardous" whereas the air quality at RK Puram and ITO was rated "Very Unhealthy" with 239 and 251 (AQI) respectively. This comes days after Harsh Vardhan tweeted to say that the air quality in Delhi has been very good this year. "We are on the right path,'' the minister said and added that good days have improved. The Supreme Court had recently banned sale of firecrackers to regulate the pollution caused by crackers during Diwali this year.

To curb pollution, Delhi govt wants aerial sprinkling of water, ready to pay the bill

By Sumit Kumar Singh

The foreign visits of Delhi&#39;s ruling Aam Aadmi Party&#39;s (AAP)&nbsp;ministers and bureaucrats are now under the glare of the Comptroller and Auditor General&#39;s (CAG) office, which has started an audit of the expenditure on these trips.

The central auditing body has sent a missive to the Delhi finance, general administrative and urban development departments, seeking details of the foreign trips of babus and ministers. The auditing body also asked the &quot;purpose of the visit&quot; and &quot;cost to the government exchequer&quot;. It has also sought explanations on how the trip was fruitful in terms of the &quot;development&quot; and &quot;governance&quot; in the city.

Sources in the Delhi secretariat told DNA: &quot;The letter was marked to the principal secretary and secretaries of these departments.&quot; The auditing body has sought information regarding the Lieutenant Governor&#39;s approval regarding the foreign trips made by bureaucrats and ministers.

In the last 18 months, AAP ministers have made 10 foreign trips, with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia alone making six foreign trips &mdash; one in every three months. Sisodia has incurred an expenditure of over Rs 30.73 lakh ($3.07 million) for three foreign trips.

Sources said that Sisodia had travelled to Athens, Finland and Sao Paulo. The Delhi deputy chief minister went to Sao Paulo from August 11 to August 15 in 2015, to attend a one-day conference, but spent two days in Rio de Janeiro before the conference and had taken a two-day break after the conference to visit the Igiazu falls and Argentina.

Sources said the issue of foreign trips came under public scrutiny last year after when the first dengue death was reported in the capital. That time, Sisodia was out of the country. He was in Finland from September 11 to September 17 in 2016, when Delhi witnessed the worst crisis of dengue and chikungunya cases.

Sisodia also went to Berlin to attend the German Habitat Forum, but extended his trip to visit Amsterdam and Paris as well.

Similarly, health minister Satyendra Jain made the maximum trips in a year &ndash; three -- incurring an expenditure of Rs 18 lakh ($1.8 million). Jain also accompanied Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Rome for two days for the canonization of Mother Teresa from September 3 to September 5, 2016, at a cost of Rs 13.5 lakh ($1.35 million).

In October 2015, a 10-member delegation of AAP, including ministers Gopal Rai and Jain, visited Sweden. The vice-chairman of Delhi Dialogue Commission, Ashish Khetan, also went to Manchester in United Kingdom in March, 2016, with Jain.

Earlier, former Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung had directed the state government&#39;s General Administration Department to furnish details about foreign visits by ministers, their personal staff and other officials to carry out an inquiry.

The inquiry was conducted after Jung called back Sisodia from Finland. In fact, most of the Delhi cabinet was out of town at a time when the capital was reeling from dengue and chikungunya.

(This article first appeared in DNA)

In the last 18 months, AAP ministers have made 10 foreign trips. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has made six

By Sumit Kumar Singh The foreign visits of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) ministers and bureaucrats are now under the glare of the Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) office, which has started an audit of the expenditure on these trips. The central auditing body has sent a missive to the Delhi finance, general administrative and urban development departments, seeking details of the foreign trips of babus and ministers. The auditing body also asked the "purpose of the visit" and "cost to the government exchequer". It has also sought explanations on how the trip was fruitful in terms of the "development" and "governance" in the city. Sources in the Delhi secretariat told DNA: "The letter was marked to the principal secretary and secretaries of these departments." The auditing body has sought information regarding the Lieutenant Governor's approval regarding the foreign trips made by bureaucrats and ministers. In the last 18 months, AAP ministers have made 10 foreign trips, with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia alone making six foreign trips — one in every three months. Sisodia has incurred an expenditure of over Rs 30.73 lakh ($3.07 million) for three foreign trips. Sources said that Sisodia had travelled to Athens, Finland and Sao Paulo. The Delhi deputy chief minister went to Sao Paulo from August 11 to August 15 in 2015, to attend a one-day conference, but spent two days in Rio de Janeiro before the conference and had taken a two-day break after the conference to visit the Igiazu falls and Argentina. Sources said the issue of foreign trips came under public scrutiny last year after when the first dengue death was reported in the capital. That time, Sisodia was out of the country. He was in Finland from September 11 to September 17 in 2016, when Delhi witnessed the worst crisis of dengue and chikungunya cases. Sisodia also went to Berlin to attend the German Habitat Forum, but extended his trip to visit Amsterdam and Paris as well. Similarly, health minister Satyendra Jain made the maximum trips in a year – three -- incurring an expenditure of Rs 18 lakh ($1.8 million). Jain also accompanied Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Rome for two days for the canonization of Mother Teresa from September 3 to September 5, 2016, at a cost of Rs 13.5 lakh ($1.35 million). In October 2015, a 10-member delegation of AAP, including ministers Gopal Rai and Jain, visited Sweden. The vice-chairman of Delhi Dialogue Commission, Ashish Khetan, also went to Manchester in United Kingdom in March, 2016, with Jain. Earlier, former Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung had directed the state government's General Administration Department to furnish details about foreign visits by ministers, their personal staff and other officials to carry out an inquiry. The inquiry was conducted after Jung called back Sisodia from Finland. In fact, most of the Delhi cabinet was out of town at a time when the capital was reeling from dengue and chikungunya. (This article first appeared in DNA)

India's top audit authority questions foreign visits of Aam Aadmi Party ministers