LG asks CM to directly communicate with govt officials
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijalh as written a latest to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. L-G has thrown his weight behind Delhi government employees and urged Delhi Chief Minister to directly meet the employees because they are feeling insecure. L-G Baijal impressed upon the chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to break the deadlock and reminded him of his responsibility.
In his letter to the Chief Minister, L-G said that all sections of the bureaucracy look up to the chief minister to provide leadership. However, if their faith in his ability to provide them with a safe and dignified work environment is not restored, it can spell havoc for governance and rule of law. Baijal further stated that the chief minister would surely agree that it is important for the government to assure the employees that they can discharge their duties in a professional manner in an atmosphere free of fear.
Baijal observed that in the current circumstances, he would urge the chief minister to reach out directly to the employees as greater responsibility lies on him as the alleged assault on the chief secretary was reported to have hap- pened at his residence and in his presence. He also noted that in his long career in government, he does not recall there being so much of rift between the elected government and the bureaucracy, despite Delhi having seen governments of different hues. It is to note that Baijal in the meeting with Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues held on February 24 strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence and termed them as most unfortunate. He had also noted that there is no place for violence in a democratic and civilised society.
Baijal emphasised that the unfortunate incident of alleged misbehavior and physical assault on the chief secretary, who is the head of the bureaucracy, at the residence of the Chief Minister by the elected MLAS was unprecedented and has had a demoralising effect on the entire bureaucracy. This incident has sent shock waves through all sections of government employees in not only Delhi but also in the entire country. The Lieutenant-governor also underscored that it is of utmost importance that the elected government and the officials work together in public interest in an amicable atmosphere. Mutual trust and respect have to be the foundation of the relationship between the two.