Here’s how CM Kejriwal slammed the Centre’s Officer Transfer Ordinance as a “dirty joke” on public

Kejriwal criticizes Centre’s officer transfer ordinance as a deception of Supreme Court verdict, calling it a “dirty joke” on the public.

The ordinance promulgated by the Centre to establish a National Capital Civil Service Authority for the transfer and disciplinary proceedings of Group-A officers in Delhi has drawn criticism from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who labeled it a “dirty joke” played on the public. The move comes just a week after the Supreme Court granted control of services in Delhi, excluding police, public order, and land, to the elected government. The ordinance aims to override the court’s verdict and has triggered a dispute between the Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena.

According to the ordinance, the National Capital Civil Service Authority will be chaired by the Chief Minister, with the Chief Secretary and Principal Home Secretary as members. It will have the responsibility to recommend transfers and postings of Group ‘A’ officers and officers of the DANICS cadre serving in the government of Delhi. The AAP government condemned the ordinance, accusing the Centre of deceiving the people and showing contempt for the court’s decision.

Advertisement

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj called the move a betrayal against the people of Delhi, while PWD Minister Atishi labeled it a clear case of contempt of court. Prior to the promulgation, Kejriwal and his ministers met with the LG to discuss the transfer of the Services Secretary, Ashish More. Amidst the ongoing dispute, Kejriwal expressed concern over rumors of the Centre bringing an ordinance to overturn the court’s verdict.

The LG accused the AAP government of disregarding rules and procedures, leading to a “gloomy face of governance.” In response, Kejriwal criticized the language and content of the LG’s letter, highlighting its bickering nature. The transfer of More was eventually cleared by the Civil Services Board after the Supreme Court’s order granted executive control to the AAP government over services matters. However, tensions remain high, with allegations of threats and personal vendettas.