Amid raging controversy over the lieutenant-Governor’s comments on Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday called on Najeeb Jung, in the first such meeting between the two following last week’s Delhi High Court verdict that stamped the primacy of the l-G in the city administration.
The meeting lasted for about half an hour during which Jung and Sisodia discussed various issues pertaining to the AAP Government, including recent development after the High Court order held that the l-G is the administrative head of the national Capital.
On the other hand, following the directions of Raj Niwas seeking list of files/ notifications/orders wherein the prior approver of the l-G was required as the competent authority but was actually not taken, the Delhi Government’s department is in tizzy. The General Administrative Department of the Delhi Government has written to all departments and said a memorandum issued by Secretary to the l-G, Raj Niwas for compliance and needful action urgently. While some of HoDs, Principal Secretaries /Secretaries have issued order verbally to prepare a list of such files that need prior approval of the Raj Niwas. Some has issued order in written to his/her departments. In an order to all Special Director of Educations/Additional DoEs, Joint DoEs, Director (Education) Soumya Gupta has directed to review thoroughly the work done by their respective offices/branches during the past one and half year and identify those orders/notifications/files wherein the prior approver of the l-G was required as the competent authority but was actually not taken.
“All such cases with complete relevant files/records must be located and brought to the undersigned by hand at 3 pm on August 11, 2016 for onwards submission through proper channel to lieutenant Governor for his approval. In case there is some doubt about whether or not the approval of lieutenant Governor is required in a particular matter, the same may also be put up by hand on August 11 latest by 3 pm so that the expert opinion of law department/other concerned offices may be obtained on an urgent basis. Any laxity in compliance of this order should be viewed seriously,” the order said.