Reveal reasons behind ’semi-VVIP’ pyres: CIC tells DDA

NEW DELHI - The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been urged to reveal the reasons behind constructing three “semi-VVIP” pyres at the Nigambodh Ghat cremation ground here.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) posed the question following an appeal by Right to Information (RTI) activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal, who asked the question to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The PIO (Public Information Officer) of DDA is directed to give the complete information to the appellant before March 25, 2010, Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi said in his order.

Agrawal also sought the criteria for cremations at the VVIP and the semi-VVIP platforms at the cremation ground. He wanted to know who all would be entitled to perform cremations on the pyres.

It is unfortunate that MCD and DDA became party to distinguish between persons according to their status even after their deaths by developing a block of three semi-VVIP pyres distinguishing the block from other pyre-blocks by surrounding the semi-VVIP pyre-block by iron-railings. Concerned authorities should immediately remove the iron-railings to abolish any distinction between ordinary and semi-VVIP pyres, said Agrawal.

The only raised VVIP-platform should not be allowed for cremation except for defined categories of personalities, with no deviation or exception allowed in any case. The idea should be to put all persons at par at least after death for aspects like cremation, he added.