Delhi's unique character, AAP govt's frequent 'acrimonious attacks' forced Centre to issue Ordinance: sources
New Delhi, May 20 (PTI) The central government was forced to promulgate the ordinance that created a special authority to look into appointments and postings of senior civil servants because of the Delhi government's regular "instigation" and "acrimonious attacks" on the Centre and the city's unique character, sources said.
The ordinance, which was promulgated Friday night, facilitates the creation of a National Capital Civil Service Authority for transfer, postings, and disciplinary proceedings against All India Service Officers and Group-A officers from the DANICS cadre posted in the city government. Recent years have seen the Aam Aadmi Party-headed Delhi government at loggerheads with the central government on almost all possible matters The aggressive nature of the state government's moves, most of which appeared primed to instigate the central government were contrary to earlier years when despite different parties ruling the Centre and the State of Delhi, there rarely ever were such acrimonious attacks on the Centre, sources said. The central government is responsible for national security and defence, and having control over the administration of Delhi ensures effective coordination and implementation of security measures in the capital city. When Delhi was declared the National Capital Territory (NCT) in the year 1991, by a Constitutional Amendment, the concept was made clear that since Delhi was the seat of the Union Government, there cannot be dual authority and responsibility, sources said. Delhi is a Union Territory with a unique status, and the central government represents the interests of the entire nation. It is this very special character of the state that allows the central government to ensure that national interests are prioritised over local considerations. The central government has access to national resources and expertise, which can be effectively utilised in managing and developing Delhi. It can allocate funds, implement national schemes, and leverage its network of experts, resources and institutions to drive development in the city, which as the capital city, deserves to be the shining light among all urban centres. Delhi serves as the political, economic and cultural hub of India.
The central government control ensures that policies and decisions taken for the city align with national objectives, leading to better economic growth, infrastructure development and cultural preservation, sources said. The central government has a broader perspective on governance and policy-making, considering the interests of the entire country. This wider outlook allows for comprehensive planning and decision-making that takes into account the diverse needs and aspirations of Delhi's residents. Reminding that Delhi hosts a large number of diplomatic missions and international organisations, sources said the central government control ensures effective coordination with foreign governments and facilitates the smooth functioning of these diplomatic entities. The practice is the same t