J&K governor delegates ministerial powers to CS, secretaries

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today delegated ministerial powers to Chief Secretary Iqbal Khanday and secretaries of various departments in the wake of the administrative functioning in the state coming to a grinding halt due the impasse over government formation.
The Governor, in exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 2 of the Jammu and Kashmir Delegation of Powers Act, delegated powers exercised by ministers to officers at various levels for the prompt and smooth conduct of administrative business, an official spokesman said.
As per the notification issued today, the administrative secretaries of all departments shall exercise the powers of ministers in respect of administrative and financial matters of their departments.

Special powers have also been conferred on the Principal Secretary - Planning and Development, Principal Secretary Finance and some other departments to ensure speedy disposal of department specific issues, the spokesman said.
The administrative and financial powers not delegated to the administrative secretaries shall be exercised by the Chief Secretary, he said, adding that the cases to be submitted to the Governor for approval shall also be submitted through the Chief Secretary.
All other powers, not specifically delegated to the Chief Secretary or the administrative secretaries, shall be exercised by the Governor.
The state came under Governor's rule on Friday last as no party staked claim to form the next government.