HoDs asked to ‘clear files sans Lieutenant-Governor nod’

Delhi home minister Satyendar Jain has directed the heads of his departments to take decision on “shadow or part” files even as the original files are submitted to the lieutenant-governor’s office. The AAP government said it decided to take decision on shadow files as various important projects are being “derailed” as original files are submitted to the L-G office. While delay has been sited as the reason for this move but it could further irk the L-G and spark another round of tussle between AAP and L-G.

In his order to the heads of his departments, Mr Jain, who has charge of key departments - health, power, PWD, industries, transport, urban development and home, said there should be “no delay” in executing the ongoing projects and works due to lack of decision on the “pretext” that concerned files are submitted to the L-G office. Last month, Najeeb Jung had ordered all HoDs to send those files where his prior approval was required, but not taken by the Kejriwal government following HC order which ruled that the lieutenant governor was the “administrative” head of national capital.

Subsequently, Jung had constituted a three-member panel to examine around 400 files containing “infirmities and irregularities” in taking decisions by the AAP government.

Jain said, “The practice is derailing the implementation or commissioning of important projects and is detrimental to the public interest. It is hereby directed that the concerned HoDs shall ensure that the ongoing projects/works are not delayed for lack of decision on such pretext (due to files submitted to the L-G office) and that appropriate action be initiated on the shadow files, as the case may be.” He, however, asked officers not to take decision in cases where there are specific directions from the L-G office that the ongoing work is to be stopped with immediate effect. Shadow files are the copies of original and related part files.