In a recent interview with ABP Live, former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung shared his concerns and insights following the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants due to waterlogging in a basement coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi. Jung called attention to systemic corruption within the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the need for urgent reforms to prevent such incidents.
Reflecting on the incident, Jung remarked, “Three students lost their lives, and recently another student died due to electrocution. This isn't just about why such incidents happen but about who is responsible. Students come to Delhi to build their future; is their life not valuable? Corruption has infiltrated every level, from peons to top officials in MCD. Everyone knows bribes are demanded for everything, from getting appointments to moving files.”
Jung criticised the alleged "corruption" within MCD, pointing out, “MCD is rife with corruption. From the peons to higher-ups, bribes are demanded at every step. Why are people turning a blind eye? After such tragic events, everyone expresses sorrow, including the Prime Minister, but soon, it will be forgotten. Committees are formed, but their reports are ignored. If needed, the government should change the laws or the constitution, but there must be a narco test for MCD officials to expose the dishonest ones.”
When asked about the compliance of coaching institutes with regulations, Jung cited police data stating that out of 583 coaching institutes in Delhi, only 67 have received NOC from the fire brigade. “Despite this, many coaching institutes continue to operate. Why hasn't MCD taken action? Every day, police and MCD officials visit these areas. Why have they not enforced regulations? The government is ultimately responsible, but MCD officials should be held accountable.”
Regarding the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) claims that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena and bureaucrats are unresponsive, Jung commented, “After such incidents, political parties often blame each other. AAP is accusing the LG of not listening. However, if AAP leaders were concerned, they should have raised these issues with MCD through emails or letters rather than just blaming the LG.”
The former Delhi Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need for cooperation between the state government and bureaucrats, saying, “Without the cooperation of officers, governance is impossible. There's a strange resentment among officers due to past incidents. The LG should call a meeting to resolve these issues and ensure such incidents don't recur.”
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Ex-Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung On Stalemate Between AAP Govt, LG & Bureaucrats
Discussing the relationship between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the bureaucrats, Jung remarked, “The current lack of cooperation is unique and troubling. There have been incidents where bureaucrats felt insulted, such as a Chief Secretary being slapped or a Secretary-level officer being locked out of a meeting. Such behaviour damages trust and cooperation. Government can't function without the support of its officers. If you continuously criticise and undermine them, they will stop functioning effectively.”
Jung further elaborated, “The LG should convene a meeting to resolve all outstanding issues. Cooperation and communication are essential. Disagreements can be resolved through dialogue, as was done during Sheila Dikshit's tenure. If AAP leaders maintain an aggressive stance, it will lead to more problems. Arvind Kejriwal, now a national leader with governments in two states, should demonstrate his leadership by fostering a good working relationship with the LG.”
Ex-Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung On Arvind Kejriwal Running Govt From Jail & His Bail Denial
When questioned about whether Kejriwal’s imprisonment is affecting governance, he suggested that the Delhi Chief Minister nominate a caretaker in his absence as he deemed it impossible for government to be run from jail.
Jung remarked, “Kejriwal doesn’t want to resign, and there is no constitutional rule requiring him to. Practically, it's impossible for anyone to govern from jail. As the Chief Minister of Delhi, he should be meeting the people. Parents of the deceased students and those who committed illegal acts want to meet him, but no one can meet him in jail. Even lawyers have limited access. All government work is pending, and significant decisions require cabinet meetings. The court has also restricted him from signing official documents, making it practically impossible for him to effectively govern Delhi. If Kejriwal wishes, he can nominate someone like Atishi, Gopal, or Saurabh Bharadwaj as acting Chief Minister to ensure the administration continues smoothly.”
He also questioned the denial of bail for Kejriwal, stating, “He is not a flight risk. His family is in Delhi, and he isn't the type to flee. Reports indicate that the charge sheet has been filed, meaning the investigation is complete, and he cannot influence witnesses. The court can impose conditions on his bail, such as not making public statements. Kejriwal has acute diabetes, which has serious side effects. Given these conditions, bail should be granted with some restrictions.”
Ex-Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung Rues 'Illegal' Coaching Industry
When discussing justice for the victims' families, Jung asserted, “Justice will only be served if we fight against corruption. Those responsible should be immediately jailed. Local representatives, including those elected, should also be held accountable. The local MLA has prepared for UPSC himself and should be aware of these issues. There is a need to regulate this industry. Why isn't the state government considering building better hostels?”
When questioned about ongoing accidents in other parts of Delhi, Jung highlighted the dangers posed by old electrical wires hanging precariously in many areas, urging the government to take preventive measures. He criticised the selective action taken by authorities, who remove unauthorised structures like huts but hesitate to touch religious structures.
Jung also addressed the lack of fire safety compliance in coaching institutes, questioning how they were allowed to operate without proper approvals. “If the fire service department has identified many institutes without fire safety, why haven't actions been taken? Why stop at MCD? Why have councilors been elected? What were they doing? Local representatives should be held accountable and face FIRs for their negligence.”
The former LG underscored the need for justice for the victims' families, stating, “Justice can only be served if we fight corruption. Those responsible should be immediately jailed. Local representatives should have been aware of these issues. There's a need to regulate this industry. The Delhi government should consider building better hostels and opening libraries in government schools for students to study after school hours. Coaching has become a necessity due to weak school and college systems.”
He also rued the "illegal" coaching industry which has been allowed to run while he said such a system doesn't exist anywhere else in the world. He said, "coaching has become a disease in India, it doesn't exist anywhere else in the world. But it is an illegal industry here."
Jung concluded by urging political leaders to rise above blame games and focus on the future of the students. He called for better regulation and support for students, stressing that some coaching institutes maintain proper standards and should serve as a model for others. "Let us not fall for knee-jerk reaction and be serious about this issue," he remarked.
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