Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday expressed concerns over the Delhi government’s failure to table the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports and urged the Legislative Assembly to convene a special session on December 19-20.
In a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, Saxena emphasized the government’s constitutional duty to present statutory audit reports before the legislature. He reminded the CM that these reports are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.
Saxena pointed out that despite consistent reminders, the CAG reports had been withheld for two years. He described the government’s failure to lay these reports as a “deliberate lapse” and criticized the administration for its lack of transparency.
The L-G noted that 14 CAG reports, covering various departments, remained unpublished, forcing some Members of the Legislative Assembly to approach the Delhi High Court to protect their constitutional rights. He mentioned that the government only acted after the court took judicial notice of the issue.
Referring to the Delhi High Court’s recent order, Saxena highlighted an assurance from the Delhi government’s counsel that the reports would be forwarded to the Speaker within two to three days. Saxena also criticized the government for convening only five sessions in the last five years.
With the current Assembly’s term ending in February 2025, Saxena urged Atishi to consult with the Speaker and convene a special session to lay the CAG reports. He concluded the letter by sharing it with the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition, underlining the bipartisan call for transparency.