Lt-Guv, AAP clash over credit for civil defence volunteers’ deployment

With L-G VK Saxena’s directive to deploy Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs) for air pollution mitigation measures, a tussle has erupted between the L-G and the AAP over taking credit for their reinstatement.

‘BJP had to bow before marshals’

I am glad that the BJP had to bow before the struggle of bus marshals. Arvind Kejriwal gave jobs to boys and girls coming from poor families. You, at the behest of BJP, dismissed 10,000 marshals from their jobs. The AAP stood by the marshals in their fight. — Atishi, CM

During a Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting, the L-G instructed the Divisional Commissioner to mobilise CDVs for pollution control efforts.

This move comes nearly a year after 10,000 CDVs were terminated from their roles as bus marshals in DTC buses, where they had been tasked with ensuring the safety of women and children. The decision to terminate their services was made after the Finance Department raised concerns that CDVs should only be deployed for emergency measures, such as during the pandemic, rather than for full-time employment.

The L-G’s directive will see CDVs deployed across the Capital starting November 1, continuing until February when pollution levels are expected to decrease.

Meanwhile, the timing of the decision has sparked a race to claim credit for their reinstatement, especially with Delhi set to go to polls in February.

The issue of reinstating bus marshals had already caused a stir during a recent special Assembly session following the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister, Atishi. Both the AAP and the BJP had agreed to meet with the L-G to discuss regularising the CDVs.

Subsequently, Atishi and the Leader of the Opposition met Saxena. “In the meeting, you had assured that you would set up a committee to draft a concrete roadmap for addressing the issue comprehensively within the legal framework. I have not been informed of any follow-up action so far,” the L-G wrote in a letter to Atishi.

Reflecting on the situation, the L-G later posted on X: “Having deliberated on the livelihood concerns of thousands of CDVs, who were terminated as bus marshals a year ago under the orders of then CM Arvind Kejriwal, I found an opportunity today to provide them immediate relief by engaging them as volunteers to combat Delhi’s air pollution for the next four months. On humanitarian grounds, I asked Atishi to come up with a concrete plan for their permanent engagement, as per the law, within this timeframe. I hope this small gesture will brighten the Diwali of our fellow CDVs who have been left in limbo for the past year.”

Meanwhile, minister Saurabh Bharadwaj posted on X, “The struggle of bus marshals has finally borne fruit. Arvind Kejriwal had promised to restore employment for everyone. Now, they will be given jobs to fight against pollution for four months. But until they are reinstated as bus marshals, we will not allow the BJP government at the Centre to rest.”