Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday welcomed Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna's announcement that carrying photo-identity card in the capital will not be mandatory, saying it would save people from harassment.

"We welcome the Lt Governor's announcement as it had left the people in jitters. It was almost impractical," Dikshit told media persons in New Delhi.

Khanna, in a press conference on Monday, tried to clarify his view on the issue and said he had just instructed the Police Commissioner to increase surveillance in different parts of the National Capital Territory to screen persons arousing suspicion.

The Lt Governor said he had never said that ID proof will be made mandatory.

Distancing herself from the issue, Dikshit said her government was not consulted.

"We came to know about his decision through media. This morning, the Delhi Cabinet met the Lt Governor and explained him about the difficulties that the denizens will go through if it (the order) is put in place," Dikshit said.

On Khanna's suggestion that driving licences issued by the authorities of other states have to revalidated in the capital, she said: "For that (revalidating the licenses) we would have to bring changes in the Motor Vehicle Act which is Centre's subject. Moreover, how can you stop people from driving in any state? Suppose I am driving down to Mumbai, does it mean that I have to have the license of that city?"