aap-defends-chief-secy-s-appointment-in-housing-authorities

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday justified its decision to appoint the Chief Secretary as Chairperson of local housing development authorities. It further asserted that the move aims to accelerate development initiatives across the state and in many states, Chief Secretaries are heading such committes. 

 

Countering opposition claims that amending Section 29(3) of the PRDPT Act weakens the Chief Minister’s authority, AAP Punjab president and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora clarified that the move is intended purely to streamline administrative processes and ensure timely execution of projects.

 

“While the Chief Secretary will approve proposals, the final approval will still rest with the Punjab Urban Development Authority and the Cabinet. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is the chairman of PUDA and head of the Cabinet, so the ultimate decision will be his. How is his authority being undermined?” he questioned.

Opposition parties have slammed the government, alleging that the recent amendments dilute and undermine the Chief Minister’s authority.

 

In response, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains hit back at the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing it of multiple misdeeds during its rule, while questioning its stance against the AAP government’s efforts to introduce people-centric policies.

 

Meanwhile, state Finance Minister Harpal Cheema defended the move, calling it a forward-looking step aimed at decentralising governance.

The Cabinet has also approved a standardised framework for all eight urban development authorities, including Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners as members to ensure efficient resolution of local issues at the authority level.

 

“In a landmark decision reflecting visionary leadership, the Chief Minister proactively delegated the chairmanship of all Urban Development Authorities to the Chief Secretary. This bold reform is intended to strengthen decentralised governance, accelerate decision-making, and empower the administrative machinery to respond swiftly to ground-level issues,” said Cheema.