The Delhi government has decided to give 50 per cent subsidy on power tariff for households consuming upto 400 units per month in the national capital. The subsidy is applicable from today and it will come to an end on 31st March. A decision to this effect was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last evening. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Mr. Kejriwal said the move will help around 28 lakh consumers in the city.

He also said that the Comptroller and Auditor General is ready for auditing the power distribution companies and after examining the reply of the companies a final decision in this regard will be taken today. The Chief Minister said the tariff will also be reviewed after the audit of the three power companies.

The Delhi Cabinet also decided to simplify the filing of the Value Added Tax (VAT) by traders which has been a long standing demand by various traders' associations of the city. The Chief Minister also announced extension of the date to file the Form AR1 by traders till January 31.

The Delhi government also announced issue of permits for 15,000 autorickshaws under the SC and ST categories with a view to provide self employment to people belonging to these categories. This was disclosed by Delhi Transport Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj yesterday. He said it will help 15,000 families to earn their livelihood and also help in reducing unemployment.
The first session of the newly elected Delhi Assembly will begin today.

The session will come to end on the 7th of this month. On the first day of the session, newly elected MLAs will take oath. The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party government will seek a vote of confidence on the floor of the Assembly tomorrow.

The election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker has been fixed for 3rd January.

Aam Aadmi Party has decided to propose its MLA MS Dhir as its candidate for the post of Speaker in Delhi Assembly.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that Congress MLA Mateen Ahmad will be the Pro-tem Speaker.