Politics Vs Bureaucracy - Delhi

Why in news?

There is an ongoing tussle between the elected government and the bureaucracy in Delhi.

What is going on in Delhi?

• Government - Delhi CM Kejriwal has said there was “de facto President’s Rule” in the national capital.
• Mr. Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister, and some ministers have been staging a sit-in at the Raj Niwas.
• They called attention to an "illegal strike by Delhi government officers".
• They demanded that Lieutenant-Governor order an end to what they call a strike by officers.
• Bureaucracy - But Raj Niwas and the IAS officers’ association has said there is no strike.
• Passing of the state budget and the accompanying budget session are pointed as proofs of a working machinery.
• However, they admit to being part of what is at least a ‘non-cooperation campaign’.
• They have restricted communication with the political executive to the written form alone since February.
• Also, not attending meetings convened by Ministers.
• This was in protest of the alleged assault on Chief Secretary by AAP MLAs at Mr. Kejriwal’s residence.
• The bureaucrats claim they feel vulnerable in the absence of Ministerial assurances of their safety.

What is the tussle for?

• Delhi witnesses a tussle for “full statehood” versus “partial statehood”.
• Relations between the Chief Minister and Lieutenant General in Delhi has for long been a concern.
• But this has less to do with constitutional correctness and more with the political compulsions.
• The principle of special sensitivities for national capitals exists for Delhi too.
• This is on account of the national, international importance, geographical location and strategic significance.
• This makes the claim to “full statehood” for Delhi to be treated differently.

What are the implications?

• It results in a fractured arrangement of power-sharing.
• This applies to law and order, land and services residing with the central government.
• This arrangement has always been contested by the state government.
• Such constitutional arrangements militate against the preferences of the “elected government”.
• The compromises and restrictions defeat the purposes of democracy and accountability in elected governments.
• E.g. the formation of the present Delhi government was followed by the LG’s office imposing many constraints.
• It disabled the power of the state government to transfer employees.
• Also, restrictions were imposed on ordering vigilance probes on complaints or proceeding against corrupt officials.

Why is the issue significant?

• Trust between the political class and bureaucracy is necessary for good governance.
• The impasse in Delhi suggests a total breakdown in the relations between the two sections.
• This spate between the LG and the CM has further diminished the nobility of constitutional offices.
• The government must introspect and adopt a more mature approach to the bureaucracy.

Source: The Hindu, Indian Express