Speaker Clears Path: Delhi MLAs Can Question Services Department

The Delhi Assembly Speaker, Vijender Gupta, ruled that MLAs can now question the Services department, addressing an ongoing issue where responses were previously withheld. The Supreme Court confirmed that 'Services' isn't a reserved subject. Decisions about Group A officers are managed by the NCCSA, led by the Chief Minister.

In a significant announcement, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta declared that MLAs will now be permitted to question the Services department. This decision addresses longstanding grievances among MLAs who previously cited refusals by the department, which attributed their nondisclosure to communications from the Centre.

Gupta referenced a Supreme Court decision emphasizing that 'Services' is not a reserved subject, thus legitimizing inquiries into the department. Notably, the transfer and posting of Group A officers, including IAS personnel within the Delhi government, are overseen by the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), under the chief minister's leadership.

Highlighting the Assembly's authority, Gupta explained that according to Article 239 AA, reservations apply to subjects, not departments. He underscored the Speaker's role as the ultimate arbiter of question admissibility, citing various Procedural Rules that consolidate the Speaker's authority in Assembly matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)