Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung refuses AAP govt’s proposed app-based premium bus service scheme

New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung has refused to give a go-ahead to the AAP government’s ambitious ‘app-based premium bus service’ which was to be rolled out from June 1 and sought explanation from Transport Commissioner Sanjay Kumar for “misusing” his name while issuing a notification in this regard.

A senior Delhi government official, however, said the Lt Governor has asked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to give a re-look into the proposed scheme.

The move may trigger another round of confrontation between the LG’s office and the Kejriwal government which have been at loggerheads over a range of issues.

“The Lt Governor has refused to give go-ahead to the government’s notified app-based premium bus scheme which was not introduced as per laid down rules. The LG has also sought explanation from the transport commissioner and asked him to file his reply within three days,” a source said.

Earlier this month, the Delhi Cabinet had approved the scheme to allow app-based bus service in the national capital on the lines of app-based taxis services.

Sources further said Kumar was also asked by the LG why he did not apprise the Cabinet that the scheme is in violation of rules.

Earlier this week, Delhi government had notified app-based premium bus scheme through which Delhiites would be able to book their seat in a bus through their smart phones on the lines of app-based taxi services.

Three days ago, Jung had, however, sought the file pertaining to the scheme from the Delhi government.

The AAP dispensation did not seek prior approval from the LG to notify the scheme with government officials claiming that there is no need to do the same before rolling out the scheme.

Since the Aam Aadmi Party came to power in Delhi, Lt Governor and Delhi Government have sparred over a number of issues including transfer and postings of bureaucrats, formation of Commission of Inquiry.

In March, the AAP government had alleged that the Lt Governor had turned down its proposal to create bus lanes in the city streets and imposition of Rs 2,000 against the violators of the rules.

However, the LG office refuted the charges, saying it had only sought clarification from the government on the proposal.

In the past, Kejriwal had also slammed Jung for annulling his government orders on several occasions.