In an attempt to mend trust deficit between the bureaucrats and the AAP-led Delhi Government, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia on Wednesday met senior bureaucrats at the Delhi Secretariat. During the three-hour meeting, senior bureaucrats suggested devising a proper system through which lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung should issue directions to the CM, who in turn should instruct his Chief Secretary for its effective implementation.
They also said that they would follow rule books only and they cannot ignore the lieutenant-Governor’s order. A number of bureaucrats talked about the difficulties faced by them due to the ongoing tussle. Bureaucrats also made it clear that the CM should not issue show-cause notice to Chief Secretary KK Sharma as he has no power to issue it to an IAS officer.
However, Sisodia told the bureaucrats not to “blindly” follow Jung’s orders and asked them to discharge their duties in line with Constitutional provisions, without any fear or apprehension. He explained to the officials various provisions in the Constitution, the Government of NCT of Delhi Act and Transaction of Business of the Delhi Government.
During the meeting, senior bureaucrats said that the ongoing impasse between the l-G’s secretariat and the Chief Minister’s Office has vitiated the atmosphere in Delhi Secretariat and their reputation is at stake. “For transfer and posting of IAS and super scale DANICS officers, the President is the final authority. The l-G, on behalf of the President, issues such orders for these officers. But transfer and posting of DANICS and DASS cadre officers are done by the Chief Secretary only,” they said.
The bureaucrats also suggested that for the appointments of Grade-A officers, clearance has to be taken from the l-G only. “All this can be done in consultation with the CM,” they added. The meeting was called by the Government to have a “correct and coherent understanding of the Constitutional provisions and other norms in handing administrative affairs.”
A senior bureaucrat told Sisodia that many officials were tensed and stressed out due to the ongoing feud. “All of us want to help the Government in its day-to-day functioning. But there seems to be trust deficit between the Government and the bureaucracy.” Another bureaucrat suggested that the new AAP Ministers should be sensitised in running the day-to-day administration as per the provisions of the Constitution.