*CM Arvind Kejriwal convenes Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) meeting, takes several decisions in public interest*
*Tender issued to new agency for maintenance of toilets in slum clusters, agency to take responsibility soon*
*Delhi government to provide three meals a day to people living in all night shelters, agency to be issued tender soon*
*DUSIB allocates land in Sultanpur Majra to build a world-class mini stadium for SC/ST children*
*Directions for ACB investigation against retired officer from DUSIB involved in disproportionate assets case*
*Corruption will not be tolerated in any department of Delhi government: Arvind Kejriwal*
NEW DELHI:01.03.24-Under the leadership of CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) convened a crucial board meeting on Friday, where important decisions were taken to benefit the public. The board, in its session, informed the CM about the tender issued to a new agency tasked with the maintenance of toilets in slum clusters that will take over the responsibility soon. The Kejriwal government has also decided to provide three nutritious meals daily to the residents of night shelters, tender for which will be issued to an agency soon. Furthermore, the board has also approved the proposal to provide land to the SC/ST department to build a mini stadium in Sultanpur Majra with world-class sports facilities to be provided here for children.
In a notable move, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal has directed an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation against a retired DUSIB officer implicated in a case of disproportionate assets to income, reaffirming zero tolerance towards corruption across all Delhi government departments.
The meeting held at the Chief Minister's camp office was attended by Delhi's Urban Development Minister and Vice Chairman of DUSIB Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, along with officials from other departments. The agenda regarding the tender for the agency responsible for maintaining toilets in slum clusters, pending for several years, was passed during the meeting. Officials informed the Chief Minister that a new agency will be tendered in the coming days to maintain the toilets of all JJ clusters.
There is a lack of accessible toilets within many ‘jhuggis' in Delhi, and there are only porta cabin toilets available. Officials mentioned that tenders have been issued for the toilets, and agencies have also been engaged. These agencies will take charge of maintaining the toilets within a few days.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has decided to provide free meals three times a day to residents of all night shelters in Delhi. In this regard, officers informed the CM that DUSIB has floated tender and bids have already been received. Soon, a new agency will be tendered to provide three meals a day to residents of all night shelters.
The issue of corrupt officials came up during the DUSIB board meeting. Several former officials in DUSIB have been accused of corruption. The board has taken a strict stance against such corrupt officers. Some of these cases involve owning assets disproportionate to income. CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal has directed the ACB to investigate cases where officials have assets disproportionate to their income. A retired DUSIB officer is also implicated in a case of owning assets disproportionate to income. An investigation against the officer by the ACB will determine whether he possessed assets exceeding his income.
Furthermore, proposal to investigate some serving or retired officials have been presented to the board, and the board has ordered investigations against them. During this time, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal stated that corruption would not be tolerated in any department of the Delhi government. Whenever cases of corruption come to light, the DUSIB board has proposed strict action against them.
Meanwhile, as is the case every year, the board has approved the tender for 250 pagoda tents to be used during winters under the Winter Action Plan implemented throughout Delhi.
Additionally, the DUSIB board has also approved the proposal for providing its land for the construction of a mini stadium being built by the SC/ST department within Sultanpur Majra. This mini stadium, once completed, will provide world-class sports training to children of scheduled castes and tribes, enabling them to shine in international competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and bring glory to the country.
*Kejriwal government operates 197 night shelters*
The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), under the leadership of CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal, operates 197 Shelter Homes aimed at providing essential support to the homeless population in Delhi. These facilities managed round-the-clock by Shelter Management Agencies (SMAs), serve as crucial havens of refuge throughout the year.
A significant step forward occurred when the DUSIB Board approved a budget of ₹72.32 crores for the operation and management of Shelter Homes on 08.08.2022. This funding emphasizes the Kejriwal government's commitment to supporting those in need.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, Shelter Homes offered basic amenities like shelter, bedding, and sustenance, mainly during winter. However, the pandemic's challenges, compounded by labour migration, prompted a reassessment of support mechanisms.
Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of the homeless during the pandemic, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal, decided to provide free meals to shelter users. An allocation of ₹1531.20 Lakhs was approved for this purpose. Between 22.03.2020 and 31.07.2021, SMAs were directed to provide free lunch and dinner to the homeless at ₹18.34 per meal per person. The total expenditure incurred amounted to ₹11.38 crores, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing immediate needs.
In a continued effort to improve living conditions, the Kejriwal Government has also committed to installing Community Toilet Complexes within Shelter Home premises. This initiative is Kejriwal government's ongoing commitment to enhancce the dignity and well-being of vulnerable population.
*Kejriwal government will set up 250 pagoda tents across the entire Delhi*
During harsh winter months, approximately 75 Pagoda Tents, designed to withstand both water and fire, are erected across various locations to provide temporary shelter to those in need. This initiative aims to extend a helping hand to the homeless population, especially in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The current 197 Shelter Homes, which typically accommodate around 17,000 individuals, now only serve 7,100 people safely. To address this shortfall, the Winter Action Plan of 2022-23 was devised, aiming to deploy an additional 250 Pagoda Tents, creating space for approximately 3,000 more individuals. This decision was taken keeping in view the previous year's peak occupancy of 10,000 homeless individuals seeking refuge.
The estimated cost for this endeavour stands at ₹4,74,75,300, with funds allocated under the Night Shelters plan. These European/German-style Pagoda Tents will be hired and strategically placed throughout the National Capital Territory of Delhi, ensuring that no one is left out in the cold during these challenging times.
*Two complaints against DUSIB officer facing corruption charges*
Two complaints have been lodged against a retired UDC/CO (under 56(j)). It's alleged that while serving in various branches of DUSIB, he bought and sold properties in his wife's name. Following retirement, the matter was referred to the Disciplinary Authority at DUSIB, and the CM has approved the proposal to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the officer.