Jung takes over as new Lt governor of Delhi

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Najeeb Jung, a former IAS officer, today took over as new Lt governor of Delhi at a time when the national capital is grappling with a range of challenges including safety of women, regularisation of unauthorised colonies and crawling infrastructure.

Sixty-two-year-old Jung, who was the vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by acting chief justice of Delhi high court BD Ahmed at a function at Raj Niwas which was attended by chief minister Sheila Dikshit, her ministerial colleagues and top brass of Delhi government and police.

Jung’s predecessor Tejendra Khanna, however, skipped the function.

A 1973-batch IAS officer, Jung is the 19th Lt governor of Delhi who was appointed to the post by President Pranab Mukherjee last week. His appointment came just five months before the national capital goes to assembly polls.

As Lt governor, Jung will be in-charge of Delhi police and Delhi Development Authority besides being the administrative head of the Delhi government.

After being appointed as Lt governor, Jung had said that improving law and order situation and ensuring better security for women will be his priority. Jung had said that he will adopt a zero tolerance policy towards crime against women.

Former LG Khanna had come under criticism following the December 16 gang-rape of a 23-year-old girl. Khanna also did not have a very cordial relationship with the chief minister as both were at loggerheads on range of issues.

Asked to comment on his new assignment, Jung today refused to speak to the media, saying he will talk after one week.

“I will not speak today. I will talk to you after one week,” Jung told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony.

Born on January 18, 1951 Jung has done his post graduation in History from Delhi University and later did MA in Social Policy and Planning from London School of Economics, UK.

Jung had joined Indian Administrative Services (IAS) in 1973 and served in Madhya Pradesh government and at several key positions, including as joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, in Central government.