Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict on the administration of services in the national capital, saying it will increase the speed of work manifold. The court ruled that the Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over services, except for public order, police and land.
Kejriwal, who had been at odds with the Centre over administrative powers, said that his hands were earlier tied, but the verdict has given a new direction to governance in Delhi. He also announced that officers who obstructed the work of the people will soon “face the music.”
In a press conference following a meeting with his Cabinet colleagues at the Delhi Secretariat, Kejriwal expressed his gratitude to the judiciary for recognizing the constitutional position of the Delhi government. He said that the verdict has cleared the confusion over who has the power to transfer and post officers in Delhi.
The chief minister said that the verdict will help the Delhi government to work towards fulfilling the promises made to the people. He added that it will also bring an end to the “transfer-posting industry” and ensure that officers are not transferred for political reasons.
Kejriwal also said that his government will work towards providing better healthcare, education, and other essential services to the people of Delhi. He said that the government will ensure that all officers work in harmony with the elected government and focus on the welfare of the people.
The chief minister’s announcement of action against officers who obstructed the work of the government has been seen as a warning to bureaucrats who have been at odds with the AAP government. Kejriwal has been involved in a bitter power tussle with the Centre over control of the Delhi administration since coming to power in 2015.
The verdict of the Supreme Court is seen as a major victory for the AAP government and a setback for the Centre. The court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the governance of Delhi and could set a precedent for other Union Territories in the country.
The AAP government has been pushing for full statehood for Delhi, arguing that it is necessary for the efficient functioning of the government. The verdict of the Supreme Court is seen as a step towards achieving that goal.
