In a significant development, the Central Government has issued an ordinance to assume control of the Services Department of the Delhi Government, sparking a fresh wave of tensions between the Centre and the state administration. The decision comes after prolonged disagreements over administrative jurisdiction, raising concerns about the balance of power and the autonomy of the Delhi government.
The Services Department plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Delhi government, as it handles matters related to the appointment, transfer, and disciplinary actions of bureaucrats and civil servants. With the issuance of the ordinance, the central government seeks to wrest control of these key administrative powers from the Delhi government and bring them under its own purview.
The move has triggered a heated political debate, with critics arguing that it encroaches upon the federal structure and infringes on the rights of the elected government of Delhi. Proponents of the central government’s action contend that it aims to streamline governance and ensure better coordination between the state and the Centre in matters of public administration.
This latest development exacerbates the ongoing power struggle between the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government. The Delhi government, under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has long advocated for greater autonomy and control over key departments to effectively govern the state. However, the central government has maintained that certain departments, including the Services Department, fall under its jurisdiction as per the constitutional provisions.
The ordinance will effectively transfer the powers and responsibilities of the Services Department to the Lieutenant Governor, who represents the central government in the capital. This transfer of control is expected to have far-reaching implications for the functioning of the Delhi government and its ability to implement policies and decisions independently.
The future course of action remains uncertain, as legal challenges to the ordinance are anticipated. The Delhi government, while vehemently opposing the central government’s move, may explore legal avenues to challenge the constitutionality of the ordinance and seek a resolution through the judiciary.
The Centre’s decision to issue the ordinance to take control of the Services Department of the Delhi government marks a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the legal and political ramifications, which could have implications for the federal structure of the country and the balance of power between the Centre and the states.
