Lt Governor Censures Delay in Tabling CAG Reports in Delhi Assembly

Lt Governor VK Saxena has criticized the Delhi government for delaying the tabling of 11 CAG reports in the Delhi Assembly, calling it a violation of constitutional and legal provisions. The pending reports include audits on state finances and liquor regulation. Saxena requested Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to ensure these reports are laid before the assembly promptly.

Lt Governor VK Saxena has flagged the delay in tabling of 11 CAG reports in the Delhi Assembly, stating that this delay constitutes a ''clear violation'' of constitutional and legal provisions, as per Raj Niwas officials on Friday.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, Saxena outlined the ''lapse'' by the Delhi government in presenting the pending Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports. The lieutenant governor described this omission as ''gross dereliction of their constitutional obligations''.

The officials clarified that the pending reports, which cover state finances, pollution mitigation, and liquor regulation, have been held up by Delhi Finance Minister Atishi. Some reports have been pending since 2022. Notably, the CAG's report on ''Performance Audit on Regulation and Supply of Liquor in Delhi'' for the period 2017-18 to 2021-22 was submitted to the Delhi government on March 4, 2024, and has been pending since March 11.

The lieutenant governor also communicated with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in February, urging him to advise the finance minister to expedite the process. Saxena argued that these delays prevent legislative scrutiny and undermine democratic accountability. The speaker, Ram Niwas Goel, questioned the relevance of the lieutenant governor's letter, suggesting it should have been addressed to those responsible for tabling the reports. Nonetheless, sources indicate the letter was forwarded to the Delhi government.

(With inputs from agencies.)