Delhi Chief Secretary KK Sharma has found himself in ‘Catch-22’ situation following an order by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia directing him not to violate rules and a ‘standing order’ issued by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that said all files must be placed before his office and the Cabinet before any decisions are taken.
Top sources told The Pioneer that Sharma, a senior IAS officer, will go by the rule book and follow Transaction of Business rules. “The cadre controlling authority of IAS officers is Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). That’s why MHA is the final arbiter for of IAS officers in the national Capital,” said the sources. If the Chief Secretary goes by the TBR, he would route to the files to the lt-Governor and the MHA, as and when required under the rules.
This will further widen the gap between the bureaucracy and the political leadership of the Delhi Government. Sources claimed that the impact of this gap has started influencing the work atmosphere at the Delhi Secretariat where the officials are finding themselves at the receiving end of this clash.