Day 1: work can wait till next year for Sheila146;s ministers

It was the first day in office for Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit8217;s Cabinet ministers and most were raring to go 8212; on a break.

It was the first day in office for Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit8217;s Cabinet ministers and most were raring to go 8212; on a break.

Well-earned, some battle-weary ministers said, as the November 29 elections 8212;always under the constant cloud of anti-incumbency 8212; had been keenly fought and fiercely won. The Delhi Secretariat could afford to be lazy on Day 1.

Minister for Social Welfare Mangat Ram Singhal gave in to the Yuletide spirit on Wednesday, staying back in his Adarsh Nagar constituency to thank supporters and voters.

Health Minister Kiran Walia was seen fleetingly in office in the morning, before reportedly heading off for a two-day Christmas break. Her new office was not flashing her nameplate either.

A floor below, Development Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan looked restless, almost ready to take off. He said: 8220;The elections were very hectic and I need a break. I have requested Sheilaji to grant me a couple of days before we put down our heads to work.8221; There was however no respite for his officers. In the morning, they sprinted to his home in Paschim Vihar and apprised the minister about ongoing projects.

Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely met his department officials in the afternoon and was briefed about what lies ahead for him. He spoke only about work: 8220;I was shocked to read in the Economic Survey of Delhi that 78 per cent of vehicles here are privately owned. We need to have a sound public transport system to resolve traffic problems. It may get worse in years to come.8221;

Former transport minister Haroon Yusuf stepped in at five in the evening, only to take a short review meeting with the officials of the Industries department 8212; his new portfolio.

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However, Sheila Dikshit was on her toes since morning. Her first concern was power. At 11 am, she met representatives of various discoms and advised them to replace faulty meters and implement the power conservation drive.

There was another serious face in the Christmas party 8212; Finance Minister A K Walia. He was the only person disturbed that the holidays would slow down his work. Ever since his appointment, the Finance and Urban Development Minister has had officias in a tizzy over the long roster of gruelling meetings that lie ahead.

Rummaging through his appointment planner on Wednesday, the minister complained, 8220;Tomorrow is Christmas, then the weekend and New Year. This whole week has gone for a toss.8221;