In the Shanti Parv of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharat, there is a profound counsel given by the dying Bhishma to Yudishthir regarding effective governance. Bhishma advises that fire, debts, and enemies should be swiftly and comprehensively dealt with, as any remainder left unattended has the potential to grow and pose a greater threat in the future. This wisdom from the Mahabharat has found a peculiar resonance in the political landscape of Delhi, where the government of India has recently made a late-night ordinance aimed at reasserting control over the transfer and posting of bureaucrats in the region.
The power struggle between the Government of India (GoI) and the Delhi government over administrative control has been a subject of intense contention in the past. However, a recent judgment by the Supreme Court had granted the Delhi government the authority to handle the transfer and posting of bureaucrats. This decision appeared to shift the balance of power in favor of the local government. Nevertheless, the GoI swiftly responded by establishing the National Capital Civil Service Authority within a week of the court ruling. This authority comprises the chief minister and two senior IAS officers, but the final decision-making authority lies with the lieutenant governor, who is appointed by the Union government.
The central government’s actions can be seen as an example of following Bhishma’s counsel from the Mahabharat: they have acted quickly and completely to ensure that they retain control over the bureaucratic appointments in Delhi. By setting up the National Capital Civil Service Authority and vesting the final decision-making power with the lieutenant governor, the GoI has effectively limited the powers of the Delhi government to select its own officers.
This move by the central government has sparked debate and controversy, with critics arguing that it undermines the principles of federalism and encroaches upon the autonomy of the Delhi government. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that it is necessary to maintain a harmonious relationship between the central and state governments for effective governance.
The ordinance and subsequent establishment of the National Capital Civil Service Authority reflect the complex dynamics between the center and the state in a federal system like India. While the Delhi government may have celebrated the Supreme Court’s judgment as a victory for local autonomy, the swift response from the GoI demonstrates the challenges faced by regional governments in asserting their authority against the powers of the central government.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this power struggle will play out and whether the principles of effective governance, as advised by Bhishma in the Mahabharat, will be fully embraced or questioned in the context of modern-day politics.