Centre mulls notification on distribution of power in Delhi

New Delhi, May 22: The Centre is considering issuing a notification to clarify distribution of power between the posts of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister.

The Home Ministry is likely to clarify that in matters like public order, including police and land, the Lt Governor is competent to issues orders.

The Lt Governor is said to have powers on services, DANIP (Delhi, Nicobar and Andaman Islands Police Service) and administration, including work allocation of bureaucrats, sources said on Thursday night. As per legal opinion, Lt Governor is not bound to consult council of ministers but may consult if he/she so desires.

At least two rounds of consultation took place between the Prime Minister and Home Minister on Thursday on the issue, the sources said, adding that it was not immediately known when the notification will be issued.

Senior bureaucrat Shakuntala Gamlin's appointment as acting Chief Secretary for Delhi last week had triggered a full-blown war between the ruling AAP and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleging that the Lt Governor was trying to take over the administration.

Kejriwal on Thursday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the matter even as he accused the Centre of using Jung to run the state.

PTI