Hours after the Supreme Court held that the Delhi L-G does not have independent decision-making powers, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday, 4 July, held a cabinet meeting and directed officials to expedite projects like doorstep delivery of rations and installation of CCTV cameras.
Officers have been directed to work as per the Supreme Court's orders, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting that lasted eight minutes.
Sisodia said with the apex court's verdict on the power tussle between the Centre and the Delhi government, the AAP dispensation does not need to get its every decision approved by Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal.
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court unanimously held that Delhi cannot be accorded the status of a state but clipped the powers of the L-G, saying he has no "independent decision-making power" and has to act on the aid and advice of the elected government.
After the cabinet meeting, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted:
Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, Home Secretary Manoj Parida, Finance Secretary Renu Sharma and Law Secretary Anoop Kumar Mendiratta entered the Cabinet room at 3:59 pm and exited it at 4:07 pm. The officers were accompanied by police officials.
An official said around a dozen proposals will now be expedited, including:
- doorstep delivery of rations
- installation of CCTV cameras
- regularisation of contractual employees
- appointment of teachers
Delhi Govt Authorises Kejriwal for Transfers, Services Dept Refuses
In the wake of the Supreme Court order, the Delhi government also introduced a new system for transfer and postings of bureaucrats, making Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal the approving authority.
However, senior bureaucrats working with the Delhi government claimed that the 'services matter' still lies with the office of the Lt Governor because Delhi is a Union Territory, and services does not fall under the concurrent and state lists.
Another officer claimed that the apex court has not set aside the May 2015 notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to which the services matter lies with the L-G.
As per an order issued by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Delhi Administrative Subordinate Services (DASS) Grade-I, II, principal secretary and private secretary will come under the Deputy CM, who will be responsible for their transfer and posting.
The minister-in-charge will have a say in transfer and posting of other officials such as stenos.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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