Delhi LG criticizes AAP over Asha Kiran Shelter Home administrator appointment
The AAP accused LG Saxena of appointing a corrupt officer as the administrator. However, a statement from the LG’s office clarified, "The administrator of Asha Kiran Home was appointed internally by
In the wake of multiple deaths at Delhi's Asha Kiran Shelter Home, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has criticized the AAP-led Delhi Government for the appointment of the shelter's administrator. The AAP has alleged that a corrupt officer was appointed to the position by the LG, escalating tensions between the two authorities.
AAP's accusations and LG's response
The AAP accused LG Saxena of appointing a corrupt officer as the administrator. However, a statement from the LG’s office clarified, "The administrator of Asha Kiran Home was appointed internally by the Social Welfare Department, under the control of the CM/Minister. He was not appointed by the LG. The administrator was posted to the Social Welfare Department, being a DANICS officer, after the LG's approval. The Minister then posted him as Administrator of Asha Kiran Home. The AAP's press statement is blatantly wrong and misleading."
The statement further pointed out the absence of a Minister in the Social Welfare Department following Raj Kumar Anand's resignation, highlighting a lack of political oversight in a sensitive department. "CM Arvind Kejriwal, even when out on bail, accepted Anand's resignation but did not appoint a new Minister. And Saurabh Bharadwaj talks of accountability?" the statement added.
Saurabh Bharadwaj demands suspension
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned why the administrator had not been suspended yet. "The officer, appointed by the central government and LG, was caught by CBI for corruption in 2016. He was suspended for five years. On what basis was such a corrupt officer appointed as the administrator? Why has he not been suspended?" Bharadwaj asked.
Addressing a conference, Bharadwaj emphasized the importance of appointing sensitive and service-minded individuals to care for the mentally weak residents of the shelter home. He revealed that a group of AAP MLAs was initially denied entry to the shelter home but was later allowed due to media pressure.
Rising death toll
An official report disclosed that Asha Kiran Shelter Home recorded the highest number of deaths in July, with 14 fatalities. Since February 2024, a total of 25 deaths have occurred, highlighting the urgent need for improved oversight and accountability in the administration of the shelter home.
