Delhi Minister Challenges LG's Authority Over Doctor Appointments Amid CM's Absence

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj disputes the Lieutenant Governor's claim that delays in doctor appointments were due to the unavailability of the Chief Minister and an NCCSA meeting. Bharadwaj offers documentation showing that transfers and postings occurred without such meetings, questioning the legality and responsibility of the LG's actions.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has challenged Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's assertion that the unavailability of the Chief Minister and the absence of a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) meeting caused delays in appointing doctors. Bharadwaj claims he can provide documents proving transfers and postings were conducted without such a meeting.

Bharadwaj stated, "You (Delhi's LG) say that doctors cannot be posted because the NCCSA meeting could not be held. I showed you the papers of postings and transfers of Group A of Delhi Government, that transfers and postings have been done in June and this month of August without any NCCSA meeting. The LG could not say anything about this. New officers have been posted in PWD. The LG should give it in writing that it is legal and I will accept it. It is completely illegal and has come to the LG's notice, despite that he has not taken any action against the PWD Principal Secretary, he is not answering it."

The dispute comes after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest on March 21, 2024, by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering probe relating to the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The LG maintains that appointments, postings, and transfers are under the NCCSA's jurisdiction, headed by the Chief Minister.

(With inputs from agencies.)