Contrary to his earlier stand, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed all Cabinet colleagues to directly send files related to appointment of enquiry officers, allotment of Gaon Sabha land and appeals against trial court orders in criminal cases among other things directly to lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.
In a written communication, Kejriwal’s Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar has told the Ministers that they need not send these files to the Chief Minister Office (CMO) and instead they should directly send them to Raj Niwas. Kumar has, however, made it clear that files relating to policy issues and matters falling under Rule 23 of the Transaction of Business Rules and other important issues shall continue to be routed through the CMO.
The order stated that in view of the ongoing court cases, files on certain subjects, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Government were still being sent to the l-G till finalisation of court cases.
Among the files which the Ministers have been asked to send directly to Raj Niwas are files relating to resignations, technical resignations, voluntary retirements, offers of appointments, acceptance of recommendations in connection with selection committee in the UPSC, appeals against the orders of the trial court orders in criminal cases, creation and abolition of posts and framing and amendment of recruitment rules.
Other key files which the Ministers have been told to route through lG’s office are allotment of Gaon Sabha land for various purposes and appointment of inquiry officers, initiation of disciplinary proceedings and reports of inquiries in disciplinary proceedings and penalties.
After persistent claims that no approval was required from the l-G for transfers and postings of bureaucrats, the AAP Government had recently said approval of Raj Niwas was mandatory even for suspension of an ad hoc DANICS officer as prescribed under the rules to avoid adverse comments at a later stage.
The Government’s change of stance came to light in a communication written by its Vigilance Department special secretary VS Rawat in connection with the suspension of a DANICS officer in the Transport Department. The officer was suspended in connection with issuing of 973 letter of interests to auto drivers in violation of guidelines.
In his letter to all the principal secretaries and heads of departments, Rawat said, “It is to inform that in a matter of an officer, the order of treatment of period of suspension was issued by the concerned department itself, without the approval of the competent authority in that case i.e. lieutenant Governor, Delhi. (He) has taken a serious view in the matter. It is, therefore, requested to ensure that orders are essentially got approved by the competent authority prescribed under the rules, to avoid adverse comments/ consequences at a later date.”
The city Government has been persistently advocating that no approval was required from the l-G as the competent authority is the Delhi Government.