New Delhi, Arun Sharma

ieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena has taken a tough stand on the mounting delays in Delhi Development Authority (DDA) projects. In a decisive move, the LG has ordered the immediate repatriation of a finance officer—on deputation from the Income Tax Department—holding him responsible for obstructing and delaying key development works. The decision has sent shockwaves through DDA’s bureaucratic structure.

In a sharply worded note to DDA Vice-Chairman N. Saravanan Kumar, LG’s Principal Secretary Ashish Kundra stated that the finance wing’s “rigid and obstructionist functioning” has been repeatedly hindering the execution of approved projects.

Kundra wrote,
“The habit of raising frivolous objections and a stubborn attitude has become part of the department’s work culture, resulting in unnecessary delays.”

The LG also noted that the officer’s review of files was “mechanical,” lacking any application of mind on policy matters or understanding of the significance of major projects.

Files Held Up, Contractor Payments Delayed — LG Angered

According to the LG, several contractor payments and essential financial approvals were being intentionally delayed, slowing down critical infrastructure projects across DDA. Sources said the officer is currently being treated as on leave, while the DDA Vice-Chairman is reorganising internal processes to ensure financial clearances are not obstructed further.

Second Consecutive Action — LG Sends a Stern Message

This move comes shortly after the LG repatriated another officer from the Land Management Department for causing continuous delays in pending projects. The latest action against this IRS officer—whose deputation was valid until 2027—signals the LG’s clear intent to crack down on administrative inefficiency and bureaucratic complacency in Delhi.

New Systems in Place, Yet Department Underperforms

Kundra pointed out that although an Integrated Financial Management System has been implemented in DDA, the finance department’s slow and erratic functioning has weakened the organisation’s overall capacity.

LG’s Final Message

“Delays in projects will not be tolerated… no matter how senior the officer is.”

The LG’s firm decision marks the beginning of a new era of accountability within DDA, making it clear that officers creating hurdles in Delhi’s development projects will now face swift and decisive action.