LG transfers Delhi govt officials; Sisodia says PM derailing Capital’s development works

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of derailing the government’s development work. Sisodia reacted after LG Najeeb Jung suddenly transferred Delhi’s Health Secretary Tarun Seem and Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Sarvagya Srivastava on Tuesday. The transferred officials were involved in increasing the Mohalla Clinics across the city as well as boosting the number of classrooms in government schools.

It was the first major bureaucratic reshuffle in Delhi administration by Jung after the Delhi High Court judgment earlier this month ruling hailing LG as the administrative head of the Capital. 

Sisodia had said: “I met LG and told him to talk to the Home Ministry regarding this.” LG had assured the Deputy CM that he would speak to MHA if required.  It may be mentioned that few days after the Delhi High Court verdict, Jung gave specific directions for transfer and postings of officers of IAS, DANICS and DASS cadre, principal private secretaries, while suspending all previous orders of the AAP government. Sisodia said that he had approached the LG and requested him to ensure that two officials, including Secretary Health and Principal Secretary (PWD) should not be transferred. 

Addressing a press conference, Sisodia targeted Prime Minister Narendra 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 officers. Modi can go to any extent. If education and health quality deteriorates, Modiji will be responsible for this,” he alleged. He further added: “Modiji is derailing Delhi government’s developmental projects in health and education sectors by transferring the officers.” 

Sisodia said in future Modi should be held responsible for any delay in the working of the clinics and schools. He termed the move “a conspiracy to derail” the AAP’s  good work. 

Sisodia said as Seem had a medical background and Srivastava was an engineer, they were performing very well in their respective departments as they had a very clear picture of the needs and requirements to bring about a difference in both the sectors.