Delhi govt working on proposal to strengthen authority of district magistrates
Last week, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, a decision was taken to empower DMs for more effective enforcement against unauthorised constructions in Delhi.
The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government is working to give effect to its decision to enhance powers of district magistrates (DMs), officials said on Wednesday. The services department is preparing a proposal to seek the lieutenant governor's approval in this regard, they added.
Last week, at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, a decision was taken to empower DMs for more effective enforcement against unauthorised constructions in the national capital.
The proposed move followed the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy that claimed the lives of 22 people. The meeting was informed that fragmented administrative authority among various departments makes enforcement often difficult.
Subsequently, it was decided by the government to strengthen the powers of DMs. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said that district magistrates will soon be vested with extensive powers, including initiating disciplinary proceedings, ordering the registration of FIRs, approving or cancelling leave, and taking immediate action against officials who fail to discharge their duties.
DECISION BASED ON MINI SECRETARIATS CONCEPT
A senior Delhi government officer, cited by news agency PTI, said the idea of empowering district magistrates is aimed at sitting up a "Mini Secretariat" to bring the services of various departments in the districts under one roof.
During the reorganisation of districts in Delhi – from 11 to 13 – last year, a panel was constituted to implement the concept of "Mini Secretariats" and strengthen the authority of DMs by granting them unified administrative control and powers for coordinated action, the officer said.
Since services matters come under the LG's jurisdiction, the proposal, being prepared by the services department, will be sent for his approval, he added.
The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government is working to give effect to its decision to enhance powers of district magistrates (DMs), officials said on Wednesday. The services department is preparing a proposal to seek the lieutenant governor's approval in this regard, they added.
Last week, at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, a decision was taken to empower DMs for more effective enforcement against unauthorised constructions in the national capital.
The proposed move followed the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy that claimed the lives of 22 people. The meeting was informed that fragmented administrative authority among various departments makes enforcement often difficult.
Subsequently, it was decided by the government to strengthen the powers of DMs. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said that district magistrates will soon be vested with extensive powers, including initiating disciplinary proceedings, ordering the registration of FIRs, approving or cancelling leave, and taking immediate action against officials who fail to discharge their duties.
DECISION BASED ON MINI SECRETARIATS CONCEPT
A senior Delhi government officer, cited by news agency PTI, said the idea of empowering district magistrates is aimed at sitting up a "Mini Secretariat" to bring the services of various departments in the districts under one roof.
During the reorganisation of districts in Delhi – from 11 to 13 – last year, a panel was constituted to implement the concept of "Mini Secretariats" and strengthen the authority of DMs by granting them unified administrative control and powers for coordinated action, the officer said.
Since services matters come under the LG's jurisdiction, the proposal, being prepared by the services department, will be sent for his approval, he added.
