Policy decisions will hit roadblock

New Delhi: A number of policy decisions will be impacted with L-G Najeeb Jung's resignation on Thursday. Being the administrative head of the NCT of Delhi, all the orders passed by the elected government in Delhi have to get a nod from the L-G. The major decisions that are likely to get delayed are the recommendations made by the three-member Shunglu Committee after reviewing 400 files related to the decision-making of the AAP government. Also, a delimitation report submitted by the state election commission recommending changes in the geographical locations of about 150 wards, out of 272 municipal seats is also awaiting clearance from Raj Niwas. The committee had among other decisions reviewed the opening of mohalla clinics in schools, the premium bus aggregator scheme for running luxury buses, dedicated lanes for the buses, about 90 per cent hike in the salary of guest teachers, increase in minimum wages of the contract workers, 400 per cent hike in the pay and perks of the city legislators, revision of circle rates, appointment of an IRS officer as the chief of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission and posting of health and PWD secretary. These decisions had been taken by the AAP government without seeking prior approval of the L-G. But the L-G acted tough soon after the Delhi high court in its judgment ruled that he was the administrative head of the NCT of Delhi. The court had also ruled that the advice of the Delhi Cabinet ministers was not a binding on him.

The recommendations of the Shunglu Committee are pending with Raj Niwas, the AAP government is finding it very difficult to proceed further with the administrative functions related to these schemes. Officials said that since municipal elections are due early next year, the delimitation of the municipal wards should be in place by early next month.