After CM's assurance on security, Delhi officers 'open to discussions' with Kejriwal

IAS officers of the Delhi government on Monday said they were open to formal discussions with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and look forward to “concrete interventions” for their security, as the latter assured that he would ensure their safety.

The "concrete interventions" may break the four-month-long impasse between the AAP dispensation and the bureaucrats following an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by some ruling party MLAs at the chief minister's residence in February.

Meanwhile, the association of officers of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union territories) cadre said that they continue to be at work with "full dedication" and "vigour". 

"#DelhiAtWork #NoToStrike Officers of GNCTD welcome Hon'ble CM's appeal. We reiterate that we continue to be at work with full dedication & vigour.," the association tweeted. 

"We look forward to concrete interventions for our security & dignity. We are open to formal discussions with Hon'ble CM on this matter," it said

On Sunday, Kejriwal called the bureaucrats part of his family and assured them that he would use all the powers and resources at his command to ensure their safety and security.

Also Read | IAS Association rebuts Kejriwal's claim of strike by officers

"I am told that IAS Officers Association has expressed concerns about their safety in a press conference today. I wish to assure them that I will ensure their safety and security with all powers and resources available at my command. It is my duty," Kejriwal tweeted. 

Kejriwal and his Cabinet colleagues have been staging a dharna at the Lt Governor's office since last Monday, demanding that L-G Anil Baijal should direct the IAS officers to end their "strike".

Unrelenting, the chief minister had said that he and his colleagues will not leave the LG's office until their demands were met. However, the IAS officers maintained that the bureaucrats were not on strike.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who has been on hunger strike since June 13 at the LG's office, was today taken to hospital after his health deteriorated, Kejriwal said. 

Health Minister Satyendar Jain was late last night hospitalised after his condition deteriorated. He was taken to the LNJP Hospital where his condition is stable, doctors said

According to the AAP government, the IAS officers have been on "strike" and were boycotting meetings with ministers since the alleged assault on the chief secretary.

(With inputs from agencies)