NEW DELHI: Several top bureaucrats overseeing implementation of a number of ambitious projects of AAP government were today transferred by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, prompting angry reaction from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was behind the reshuffle.
Jung went ahead with the transfers notwithstanding requests by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia not to transfer bureaucrats handling flagship programmes including Health Secretary Tarun Seem, handling setting up of Mohalla Clinics, and PWD Secretary Sarvagya Srivastava, overseeing construction of school buildings.
It was the first major bureaucratic reshuffle in Delhi administration by Jung after the Delhi High Court judgment earlier this month ruling LG is is the administrative head of the national capital.
Environment Secretary Chandrakar Bharti has been transfered as Secretary Health while Social Welfare Secretary Ashwani Kumar has been appointed as new PWD Secretary in place of non-IAS cadre officer Srivastava.
"Today, several officers transferred by LG directly. Files not even shown to CM or any minister. Is this Modi model of democracy?... Manish Sisodia requested LG not to transfer these two officers looking after works of setting mohalla clinics and new schools till March 31, but he (LG) did not relent," Kejriwal tweeted.
The Chief Minister alleged that the Prime Minister was "hell bent" to "destroy" Delhi.
Addressing a press conference, Sisodia also targeted Modi for the transfers and said he will be responsible if quality of health services and education deteriorates.
"We have got to know that Modiji has asked LG on phone to transfer these two offices. Modi can go to any extent. If education and health quality deteriorates, Modiji will be responsible for this," he alleged.
In another order, Jung has given specific directions for transfer and postings of officers of IAS, DANICS and DASS cadres, principal private secretaries, while suspending all previous orders of the AAP government.
In the order, Jung said the LG will be the approving authority for transfer and postings of IAS, DANICS, All India Service Officers, equivalent officers of central civil services. The Chief Secretary will be the approving authority for transfer and postings of DASS Grade I/II, private secretaries and senior personal assistants.
Jung has also ordered withdrawal of Delhi government's suspension order of the chief minister's former Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar.