AAP government 'grossly abused power': Shunglu panel

Just ahead of the municipal corporation election, the release of the Shunglu committee report on Wednesday has exposed several cases of the Delhi Aam Admi Party (AAP) government's "grossly abused power."

The 101-page report accessed by DNA states that the appointment of Soumya Jain, daughter of Delhi Health Minister, as advisor to Mission Director Delhi State Health Mission, was in gross violation of the laid out norms. Not only Jain, the committee finds that there are around 400 appointments which were in violation.

In the Soumya Jain case, the committee states, "The following facts have emerged that Soumya Jain is an Architect by profession. However she asserted her expertise with regard to Mohalla Clinics even though her CV does not support her claim."

Further the report says that the Delhi administrative departments referred 440 files where decisions were not in conformity with the schemes of governance. After review, 36 files were returned. The committee then scrutinised 404 files and selected three categories wherein the AAP government violated the constitution.

On city bureaucracy, the committee stated, "Our impression is that several officials resisted unwarranted transgressions and received their unjust desserts as many resorted to defensive euphemisms to satisfy their conscience."

The committee also raised objection on allotment of 206 Rouse Avenue to AAP.

"The cabinet decision does not speak of allotment of furnished accommodation. The file does not contain any information regarding rent," the panel stated.

The committee lashed out at the AAP government for allotment of residential accommodation to Delhi Commission of Women chairperson Swati Maliwal. "She is not entitled to it as per provision of Delhi Commission Women Rules 2000," the panel stated.

The appointment of Nikunj Agarwal as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Minister of Health on co-terminus basis is a case of violation of recruitment procedure. "The appointment of Abhinav Rai on contract and on co-terminus basis in the (Transport) office with designation od OSD is done first against the vacant post of UDC but subsequently his consolidated remuneration raised to Rs 87,000," the panel stated.

The report exposed the AAP government and clearly stated that the government violated the laid out rules and regulations. The committee also stated that most of the work done by the AAP government is in violation of the constitution.

The committee in many cases recommended that there appointments should be immediately cancelled. Further, it also highlighted that many cabinet decisions taken by the government will be remained nullified.

The committee also stated that in many cases where the AAP government has no jurisdiction went ahead and mad appointments and deliberately came in clash with the Centre.

Over 400 files examined

Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung formed the Shunglu committee on August 30, 2016.

Chaired by former Comptroller and Auditor General VK Shunglu, it has former Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar as members.

The committee examined over 400 files on decisions taken by the AAP government.

The final report of the panel was submitted on Nov 27 by the committee to the then L-G Najeeb Jung.

The panel was constituted after the High Court verdict that the Lieutenant Governor is the administrative head of Delhi, and all decisions taken by state government ministers must be communicated to him.

It was a big blow to the ruling AAP in its power struggle with the central government-appointed officials.