Take consequential action against illegal appointment of advisors: MHA to LG

The Union Home Ministry has asked Lt Governor Anil Baijal to take "consequential action" as per law against the "illegal appointment" of nine advisors to Delhi ministers, an official said today.

The official, who did not wish to be named, said the consequential action may also involve recovery of expenses incurred by these advisors and fixing responsibility for their appointment.

The Delhi government's general administration department today cancelled the appointment of the nine advisors on the directions of the MHA.

In its letter on April 10, the Union Home Ministry had said that no approval of the central government was taken for creation of the posts to which the nine advisors were appointed on a co-terminus basis.

According to a statement issued by the services department, 81 posts were sanctioned on a co-terminus basis for the council of ministers in GNCTD, of which 21 are in the office of chief minister and 10 each are for the remaining six ministers.

"The said posts are specified in the GNCTD O. M (office memorandum) dated May 4, 1995 issued with the concurrence of central government.

"However, creation of new posts requires prior approval of the central government as per the existing orders issued ... on September 3, 1997. The new posts (nine advisors), now cancelled, were created and appointments were made against the new posts as advisors to ministers without the approval of the competent authority," it read.

It stated that the matter was thereafter examined and referred for consideration of the Union Home Ministry.

"After considering the matter, the MHA has held that the creation of the new posts for accommodating the appointees is void ab-initio...since creation of these posts and subsequent appointments against the same is not vaild.

"The Lt Governor was requested to take immediate action for cancellation of these appointments. All other consequential action, as per laws/rules, on these illegal appointments may also be taken," the statement read.