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No red beacon for ministers, officials, says Kejriwal

Security will be provided if there is threat perception, says Kejriwal

Within hours of taking charge, the Aam Aadmi Party government on Saturday decided that red beacon would not be used by ministers and officials, and no security would be given to any officer or minister as a matter of routine, unless there is threat perception.
The decision was taken at the first Cabinet meeting, presided by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. It was attended by his colleagues Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Rakhi Birla, Girish Soni and Satyendra Jain, and Chief Secretary D.M. Spolia.

“No ministers and officials will use red beacon. Also security will not be provided in routine work. Officials will not get any escort vehicle, personal security officers and home guards. Security, however, will be provided if there is threat perception. Though beacons would be used by essential services like ambulance,” Mr. Kejriwal told journalists after the meeting.
Mr. Kejriwal also met top officials of the Power and Transport Departments and Delhi Jal Board to discuss the issues on top of the party’s agenda. He said his government required 2-3 days to decide on reducing power tariff and supplying 700 litres of water free.
“I have asked the officials to work these issues out. On the issue of water and the recent hike in the CNG prices, I would be able to say something by Monday. On the issue of power tariff, things will be clear by either Tuesday or Wednesday,” Mr. Kejriwal said.
In its manifesto, the AAP promised to cut power tariff by 50 per cent, besides conducting scrutiny of the accounts of private power distribution companies. The party also vowed to deliver 700 litres of water per household daily within 24 hours of assuming office.
The Chief Minister also tried to ease any fear among bureaucrats that the government would indulge in “witch-hunting.” “At my meeting with officials, I told them that you work with honesty and in the interest of people, I will protect you,” Mr. Kejriwal said.

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