ACB launches probe into bus service plan

Triggering a new confrontation between lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung and the AAP government, the city’s anti-corruption branch launched a probe into the premium bus service scheme notified by the Kejriwal government last month, allegedly without obtaining Mr Jung’s permission. The registration process of the buses under the scheme, which was to come into effect from Wednesday, could not start as the L-G asked for a review.

The AAP government, in a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, decided to seek a public consultation on the issue. It is bracing to put forward its own point of view to buttress its reasons for launching this service. The move is also aimed at countering the lieutenant-governor’s objections.

Top sources said at the emergency Cabinet meeting, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal reportedly discus-sed the objections raised by Raj Niwas on the issue. “The Cabinet has also deci-ded to seek public consultation on the bus service issue. A detailed re-ply is being prepared. There was consensus in the Cabinet meeting that the Delhi government should not accept the objections raised by the lieutenant-governor,” said the sources.

Anti-corruption branch chief M.K. Meena, appointed by Mr Jung, said the probe was launched on a complaint moved by Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta, who alleged that the AAP government was “trying to benefit” a Gurgaon-based private bus aggregator.

“There are allegations th-at no prior approval of the L-G was sought before launch of the scheme and that it was aimed at benefiting a private company,” Mr Meena said.

Trading charges, the Delhi government alleged that a conspiracy is being “hatched” to delay the scheme under which people would be able to book their seats in buses through their smartphones on the lines of app-based taxi services in the national capital.

“As the lieutenant-governor has asked the government to look into the app-based Premium Bus Scheme again, the registration process of buses to be plied under it could not begin today,” a Delhi government official said.

The premium bus service scheme was notified on May 20. “The lieutenant-governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is pleased to notify that all premium buses which ply in Delhi in conformity with guidelines specified in the app-based premium bus services scheme shall be deemed to be used for the purpose of reducing pollution and shall be exempted from provision of sub section (1) of Section 66 of the said Act (Motor Vehicle Act 1998) to such an extent as may be necessary for operation of such buses,” read the notification signed by Delhi transport commissioner Sanjay Kumar.

Since its election in February last year, the AAP government has firmly held the view that the elected government is supreme and Wednesday’s Cabinet decision again reiterated the same view points. The Cabinet strictly adhered to the transport department notification.

Last week, Mr Jung refused to give a go-ahead to the AAP government’s ambitious app-based premium bus service and sought explanation from transport commissioner Sanjay Kumar for “misusing” his name while issuing a notification in this regard.