Not on strike, but need a culture of trust: Delhi IAS officers
New Delhi, June 17: Denying the AAP government's allegation that they are on strike, the Delhi IAS Association on Sunday said they are totally neutral towards all political parties but they need a "culture of trust" to work.
"Cameras and recording cannot ensure my security. No one has assured us of our security and safety. There has been no attempt from the government to reach out to us so that we can feel safe," IAS Association Secretary Manisha Saxena told the media here.
"We all had various experiences of assault. We will not attend a meeting if we are not feeling safe. We have gone out of the way to ensure that public do not suffer, their work does not suffer, but we will not work at the cost of our life.
"We don't go to places where we don't feel safe. We need a culture of trust to work," she said.
The officers said they are feeling unsafe after the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.
"If the Chief Secretary can go for a meeting late at night, that shows our commitment level. But we have to also look for our safety and self-defence," said a member of the association.
Transport Commissioner Varsha Joshi, without naming the Aam Aadmi Party, said "the political party handle is making a personal comment on me."
"We are forced to bring things in public domain... it is very sad. Please don't use us for political ends," she said.
The officials said they are working overtime to ensure proper service to people.
On the issue of work being hampered due to the sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers at the Raj Niwas, Joshi said: "Several meetings planned for last week by the Ministers were cancelled due to their sit-in."
Meanwhile, the IAS Officers' Association of AGMUT cadre also termed as "misinformation" the claim that they were on strike.
"The IAS Association of AGMUT cadre strongly refutes the misinformation and false campaign against the IAS officers in Delhi being on strike.
"We reiterate that all our officers and officials, all IAS officers, are working with full vigour and dedication," the Association from Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, Union Territories (excluding Andaman & Nicobar) (AGMUT) cadre said in a statement.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
