The Delhi government is gearing up for a significant bureaucratic overhaul despite facing obstacles in implementing its decision to transfer the Services Department secretary, Ashish More. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has approached the Supreme Court, accusing the central government of non-compliance with the transfer. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has announced the formation of a bench to hear the matter next week.
According to the Delhi government, More has refused to process the file for the appointment of a new officer, AK Singh, to replace him. They further stated that More left the secretariat without informing the services minister’s office. In response, More went on casual leave on Friday.
The Supreme Court ruled that the elected government in Delhi has legislative and executive powers over the services department, except for matters related to land, police, and public order, which fall under the lieutenant governor’s jurisdiction. Following this ruling, More was removed from his post, but the transfer has not been executed due to alleged deviations from the established procedure.
Despite the pending transfer of More, sources claim that the AAP government is prepared for a large-scale reshuffle of senior officers, including principal secretaries and heads of departments, once the court case is resolved.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in response to the Supreme Court verdict, announced that a major reshuffle of officers in the city government would take place soon. He also warned that officers obstructing work would face consequences.
Sources reveal that the decision to transfer More was made without consulting the Delhi Civil Services Board (CSB). The CSB, established in 2014, is responsible for examining cases of proposed officer transfers before their minimum tenure is completed.
Additionally, it is claimed that the decision to transfer More was made while a Ministry of Home Affairs notification, placing the services department under the LG’s jurisdiction, was still in effect. The notification has not been withdrawn following the Supreme Court order.
Amidst these developments, ministers held meetings with officers in the Secretariat to assess the situation and discuss pending projects and government programs. Chief Minister Kejriwal also visited the Secretariat.
The controversy surrounding the transfer of the Services Department secretary has created a tense atmosphere in Delhi’s bureaucratic landscape. The outcome of the Supreme Court case will likely determine the course of action for the government’s planned bureaucratic overhaul.