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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says that work will now be done in a more effective manner
NEW DELHI: Hours after the Supreme Court tilted the balance of power in Delhi in its favour, Delhi Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the work will now be done more effectively with the transfer of the honest bureaucrats back to the state government.
The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court earlier said that the Delhi government must have complete control over services, and the Lieutenant Governor, a representative of the Central government, is bound by its decisions.
CM Kejriwal expressed his commitment to bringing about an administrative reshuffle, ensuring that obstructive officers are removed while qualified and honest individuals are allowed to contribute to the public welfare.
The CM further declared that for the past eight years, the government has fearlessly fought this legal battle, and today, the Supreme Court’s ground-breaking verdict stands as a resounding victory for the entire state of Delhi.
“This triumph not only establishes the government’s authority but also empowers them to hold corrupt officers accountable, thanks to gaining control over the Vigilance Department,” CM Kejriwal said.
Furthermore, CM Kejriwal emphasised the need for a reformed administrative system that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the public. “Officers and employees will be held responsible for their actions and will be expected to deliver efficient and effective services to the citizens,” he added.
Kejriwal said under the new administration, unnecessary posts will be eliminated or vacated, while new positions will be created to meet the evolving needs of the city, highlighting the government’s commitment to optimising resources and ensuring maximum productivity.
Kejriwal further expressed confidence that the government would now be able to accelerate its work, ensuring that the development and welfare of Delhi are achieved tenfold.
While hailing the Supreme Court order, CM Kejriwal stated, “The state government will control administrative services on all aspects except land, public order and police.” He further said that the order of the Supreme Court, that came out today, is historic for several reasons.
Calling it a major victory for the people of Delhi, he said, “The Central Government until now had done injustice to the residents of Delhi and today the Supreme Court brought an end to it.”
CM Kejriwal said that the first full majority AAP government in Delhi was formed on February 14, 2015, and just three months later, on May 23 of that year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued an order through the Central Government claiming that the ‘Services Department’ of the Delhi Government would no longer remain with the Chief Minister but with the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
Explaining the consequences of this order, CM Kejriwal said, “All the government employees of the Delhi government were made to report to the LG.”
“From top to bottom, all officers, whether it is an IAS officer or a Class 4 employee – a peon – were under the Central Government. So, this meant that the posting, transfer, disciplinary proceedings, creation and abolition of posts, all these powers were taken away from the Delhi Government,” he said.
“So, this means that if I am the Chief Minister and I see a government officer take a bribe with my own eyes, I do not have the authority to suspend or transfer him,” he added.
He further explained that the state government did not have the power to appoint the education secretary or the health secretary.
Kejriwal claimed that for eight long years, the central government misused this order to obstruct the development of Delhi.
“When we wanted to improve the condition of schools in Delhi, the Central Government would appoint such an education secretary who would not implement our vision. If we wanted to build a Mohalla Clinic, we would intentionally get a health secretary who would not do any work. The Central Government would appoint a finance secretary that would unnecessarily cause obstructions. This tactic was used to obstruct all developmental works in Delhi,” he said.
CM Kejriwal also thanked the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, and the four other judges on the bench for the judgement over the administrative services of Delhi.
