‘Don’t burden L-G’s office with unnecessary files’

In order to expedite the process of decision making and governance in Government of NCT of Delhi, an official circular has been issued to all ministers, Chief Secretary and all departmental secretaries in the Delhi government by the Chief Minister’s secretary Rajendra Kumar.

In the letter, it has been stated that various provisions of NCT of Delhi ACT of 1991 and Constitution of India have been examined. The practices of administration being followed in Delhi government have been compared with the prevailing practices in other states and government of India in light of Constitutional provisions.

It has been observed that provision of Article 74/Article 163 and Article 167 of the Constitution of India are analogue to the provisions of Article 239AA (4) of Constitution of India and Section 41 and 45 of NCT of Delhi Act.

It has also been observed that despite that the analogous provisions referred above, while the business of government is run in the name of President/Governor in government of India/states, without actually sending the files to the President/Governor in each case, in Delhi, the practise of burdening the Lieutenant Governor with all files for approval continues despite the insertion of 239AA and other above referred provisions of the Constitution of India and NCT of Delhi Act 1991.

In view of the above and with a view to expedite the process of decision making in affairs of the government of NCT of Delhi, it has been decided that files pertaining to all subjects transferred to Delhi Legislative Assembly under Article 239AA (3) (a) of the Constitution of India shall be decided at appropriate level up to the office of Chief Minister without bothering the Lieutenant Governor.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also apprised Lieutenant Governor of the decision, the communication says.