LG wants Kejriwal to sign files sent for his opinion, nod | India News

NEW DELHI: A note send to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal from the LG’s office, asking Kejriwal to sign on files seen by him, mentions that the LG is constrained to communicate with bureaucrats since the files are signed by joint secretaries or additional secretaries at the CM’s office.
Despite repeated attempts, the Delhi government didn’t comment on the note.
The LG has written that the files only mention that the “CM has seen and approved the proposal”, without specifying the ground of urgency for such a communication, said the sources. They pointed out that the Manual of Office Procedure2022 has a provision that “in rare and urgent cases”, when the minister is on tour or is sick and his or her approval has to be taken on phone, the decision of the minister is conveyed by his or her private secretary in writing. Also, in such cases the confirmation must be obtained on file when the minister returns.
The LG has said that in the interest of smooth and effective governance, all proposals submitted for his opinion or approval should be signed by the CM, sources said. He has also suggested that the CM’s office may consider introducing an “e-office system” at the earliest to enable seamless movement of files.
Raj Niwas sources said that sending files for consideration, opinion, and approval of the LG by the CM without affixing his signatures is a stark departure from the past when such files were duly signed by chief ministers between 1993-2013. “Such files, apart from being related to administration and governance of the city, also include extremely sensitive matters,” the sources said, alleging that by not signing the files, the CM manages to technically distance himself from the decisions and find an alibi for himself in case of any controversy.