NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented step, the Centre on Friday issued an ordinance setting up the National Capital Service Authority in matters of transfer of officers, vigilance and other incidental matters in a move that drew the ruling AAP’s flak. The Central step is seen as nullifying the Supreme Court verdict a few days back maintaining the supremacy of the elected government in Delhi in the services matters, a cause of conflict between the Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
“In view of its special status as a national capital, a scheme of administration has to be formulated by law, to balance both local and national democratic interests which are at stake, which would reflect the aspirations of the people through joint and collective responsibility of both the Government of India and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD),” a Central government order read.
The AAP government was furious at the ordinance. “The ordinance brought in by the Central government is a contempt of the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court. The SC decision made it clear that the elected government should have the power to take a decision on transfers. This ordinance was brought due to the fear of giving powers to the kejriwal government,” said AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Atishi.
“The Modi government neither believes in democracy, nor the Constitution, nor the Supreme Court, it knows only dictatorship,” said AAP MP Sanjay Singh.However, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said that Delhi being the capital of the country, the whole of India has the right over it.
National Capital Civil Service Authority
A body called the National Capital Civil Service Authority, it will make recommendations to the Lt Governor regarding transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters of Group-A officers from the DANICS cadre. The authority comprises the Delhi chief minister as its head and Delhi chief secretary and principal home secretary as members