Delhi Assembly Goes Solar, Equips MLAs With iPhone 16 Pro & iPads in Digital Overhaul

The corridors of power in India’s capital are buzzing with technological energy as the Delhi Legislative Assembly undergoes a revolutionary transformation. In a landmark move blending sustainability with cutting-edge governance, all 70 MLAs will receive Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 Pro and iPads while the Assembly building transitions to solar power. The initiative, personally spearheaded by Chief Minister Rekha Bhardwaj, represents India’s most ambitious legislative digital upgrade to date.

Digital Governance Leap with Premium Devices
Each legislator will receive an iPhone 16 Pro – Apple’s latest model featuring advanced satellite connectivity and AI-enhanced security protocols – alongside cellular-enabled iPads. According to Assembly Secretariat documents reviewed by our team, the devices will replace outdated equipment and enable real-time access to legislative databases, paperless voting, and secure virtual sessions. “This isn’t just about gadgets,” explained Principal Secretary Rajesh Verma in an August 2025 circular. “It’s about creating an ecosystem where MLAs can access emergency disaster alerts, constituent data, and legislative tools instantly, even during power outages.”

The procurement follows strict cybersecurity protocols developed with NIC (National Informatics Centre), including:

• End-to-end encryption for all government communications
• Mandatory biometric authentication
• Geofencing that disables certain functions outside designated legislative zones
  Training sessions begin August 20th at the newly inaugurated Delhi Legislative Academy, where Apple-certified trainers will teach MLAs to leverage the devices’ capabilities for public service delivery.

Solar-Powered Assembly Sets Sustainability Benchmark
Simultaneously, the historic Assembly building is becoming Delhi’s first fully solar-powered legislative complex. Installation of 1,850 photovoltaic panels began July 2025 and will generate 650 kW daily – exceeding the building’s energy needs. Excess power will feed Delhi’s grid through the NDMC’s net-metering system.

Energy Minister Arun Mehta confirmed the ₹9.3 crore project aligns with Delhi’s Solar Policy 2024 targets: “By December, our Assembly won’t just make laws – it’ll exemplify green governance.” The retrofit includes:

• Solar carports charging official EVs
• AI-optimized energy distribution
• Real-time consumption dashboards

Transparency and Accountability Measures
While opposition members questioned the expenditure (estimated ₹2.1 crore for devices), the government released procurement details showing competitive bidding. “These tools will save ₹17 crore annually in paper, printing, and operational costs,” argued CM Bhardwaj during Monday’s session. All devices remain government property, with usage audited quarterly by the CAG.

The digital shift follows successful pilots in 10 constituencies where MLAs used tablets to resolve 83% of citizen grievances within 72 hours – a 200% efficiency jump according to Delhi Governance Reform Commission’s 2024 report.

Must Know
Q: Can MLAs use these devices for personal purposes?
A: Strict usage guidelines prohibit personal activities. Devices feature specialized OS versions that log all activity to government servers and block non-official apps. Violations may trigger disciplinary action under Delhi Legislative Conduct Rules.

Q: How will solar power impact legislative operations?
A: The system ensures uninterrupted power during Delhi’s frequent outages. Critical facilities like the session hall and data center have 72-hour battery backups, enhancing disaster resilience as per NDMA standards.

Q: What security measures protect sensitive data?
A: Beyond standard device encryption, all data transits through NIC’s quantum-resistant network. The Assembly also established a dedicated cybersecurity cell with ethical hackers conducting monthly vulnerability assessments.

Q: Will this initiative expand to other government branches?
A: The Delhi Secretariat and 11 district offices begin similar transitions in October 2025. Success metrics from the MLA program will determine scaling, focusing first on public-facing departments like Revenue and Transport.

This triple transformation – cutting-edge devices, renewable energy, and digital governance – positions Delhi’s legislature as a 21st-century benchmark. As lawmakers prepare to wield their new tools under solar-powered roofs, citizens await tangible improvements in legislative responsiveness and transparency. Track this initiative’s progress through the Assembly’s official transparency portal.