Deputy CM: Don’t even have power to transfer bureaucrats

A child sits on the podium as deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia addresses a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo: Asian Age)

Delhi’s deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday lamented that the Aam Aadmi Party government does not even enjoy the powers to transfer bureaucrats, who draw their salaries from the taxpayers’ money.

Alluding to the ongoing tussle with the BJP-led Centre, Mr Sisodia said the city government has limited powers despite being chosen by the voters. Unlike other states, the capital draws its bureaucrats from the Centre’s UT services cadre. This means, the Centre can assert its jurisdiction over matters related to their transfers and postings.

He said no order can stop Delhi government from fighting corruption.

“Several people are saying that as the high court order has come out, the Delhi government doesn’t have power. Don’t mind, but there are many officers who were no more able to make money and have started thinking that the system will now get centralised.

“I warn all such people. No order will stop us from fighting against corruption,” he told the gathering.

Mr Sisodia, who was addressing winners of the sixth draw of the Bill Banvao, Inaam Pao Scheme, was interrupted by a toddler who displayed dogged determination to enjoy playing on the podium.

Two-year-old Arham made several successful attempts to run amok on the stage even as a government official tried to block his way. His father, Aseel Ahmed, who was awarded the top prize of Rs 50,000 at the event, too struggled to guide him down the podium.

Arham’s tantrum in the Delhi Secretariat’s auditorium continued for over 10 minutes and he occasionally broke into shrill screams to suggest that he be let alone to enjoy on the podium.

When Mr Sisodia finished his address, he asked officials to let the two-year-old remain on the stage. Mr Ahmed, Arham’s father, said the scheme will encourage people to pay their taxes.

“I bought a ring for my wife on Id. The jeweller was not interested in issuing a bill, but I insisted on it,” Mr Ahmed told this newspaper. “I bought the ring for Rs 22,000 from Karol Bagh,” he said. The Sadar Bazar resident and his wife Ghazalah Parween were seated in the first row when their child decided to rush to the stage. Mr Ahmed made a successful attempt to bring Arham down from the podium towards the end of the event. And he insisted Ms Parween to take their child out of the auditorium, but Arham protested in his usual way. Minutes later, he himself took the toddler and walked out in a haste.