New Delhi, May 20, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk
New Delhi, May 20: The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi is once again on the war path against the Centre over its ordinance on transfer and posting of officers.
A combative Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed a press conference Saturday to spew venom at the Centre over its latest move.
"They were waiting for the Supreme Court to be closed for summer vacations. They waited because they know this Ordinance is illegal. They know it will not stand in the court for 5 minutes. When SC opens on July 1, we will challenge it," he said.
The CM said he will personally request leaders of every Opposition party to block the Ordinance in the Rajya Sabha when a bill to repeal the law is brought for introduction and passage.
The AAP government on Saturday reacted sharply after the Centre issued an Ordinance to establish an authority for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi.
The Ordinance, which comes seven days after the Supreme Court handed over the control of administrations in Delhi, excluding police, public requests, and land, to the elected government, looks to set up a National Capital Civil Service Authority for the posting and transferring of officials.
Before the May 11 verdict, the Lieutenant Governor had executive control over the transfer and posting of all Delhi government officers.
Officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), however, explained that the central government was forced to promulgate the ordinance that created a special authority to look into appointments and postings of senior civil servants because of the Delhi government's regular "instigation" and "acrimonious attacks" on the Centre and the city's unique character.
The ordinance, which was promulgated Friday night, facilitates the creation of a National Capital Civil Service Authority for transfer, postings, and disciplinary proceedings against All India Service Officers and Group-A officers from the DANICS cadre posted in the city government.
Recent years have seen the Aam Aadmi Party-headed Delhi government at loggerheads with the central government on almost all possible matters.
The aggressive nature of the state government's moves, most of which appeared primed to instigate the central government were contrary to earlier years when despite different parties ruling the Centre and the State of Delhi, there rarely ever were such acrimonious attacks on the Centre, the officials said requesting anonymity.
The central government is responsible for national security and defence, and having control over the administration of Delhi ensures effective coordination and implementation of security measures in the capital city.
When Delhi was declared the National Capital Territory (NCT) in the year 1991, by a Constitutional Amendment, the concept was made clear that since Delhi was the seat of the Union Government, there cannot be dual authority and responsibility, sources said.
Delhi is a Union Territory with a unique status, and the central government represents the interests of the entire nation. It is this very special character of the state that allows the central government to ensure that national interests are prioritised over local considerations.
The central government has access to national resources and expertise, which can be effectively utilised in managing and developing Delhi. It can allocate funds, implement national schemes, and leverage its network of experts, resources and institutions to drive development in the city, which as the capital city, deserves to be the shining light among all urban centres.
Since Delhi serves as the political, economic and cultural hub of India, the central government control ensures that policies and decisions taken for the city align with national objectives, leading to better economic growth, infrastructure development and cultural preservation.
Delhi is home to people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and states. The central government control ensures that their interests and rights are protected, promoting inclusivity and harmony among the various communities residing in the city.
The central government control over the administration of Delhi prevents potential conflicts of interest and ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the nation as a whole, rather than being influenced by local or regional politics.
The central government has the authority to address interstate disputes or conflicts involving Delhi. This ensures that conflicts between neighbouring states and Delhi can be resolved through a centralised approach, promoting peace and stability in the region.