Mumbai:
In an attempt to clear all doubts, the General Administration Department (GAD) on Wednesday issued an order that laid down the rules of disposal of official business by Governor of Maharashtra (Bhagat Singh Koshyari) during the time he is in charge for the duration of the Presidents Rule that came into force from November 12.
The order cites the provisions of Article 166 and the imposition of Presidents Rule in the state of Maharashtra. The orders are applicable till such time the imposition of Presidents Rule is withdrawn and the new state government is sworn-in by the Governor.
As per the order “all matters which were required to be put up to the Council of Ministers under Schedule II of the Rules of Business and all such cases where Ministers had to obtain orders of the Chief Minister, would now be routed through the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to the Governor”.
All proposals regarding transfers and postings of Officers of the rank of Joint Secretaries and above and in respect of IAS/IPS and IFS cadre, of and above the ranks of Collectors/Superintendents of Police will be routed through the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to the Governor. All transfers which were earlier being done by the Chief Minister will be done by the Governor. Besides this, all matters pertaining to law and order will be routed through the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to the Governor.
Routine cases which were being settled at the level of Minister may be finally decided by the Governor through the Chief Secretary. The cases where more than one department is concerned the matter may be decided in consultation with the Chief Secretary by the Governor.
Regarding legislative matters factual information and present status may be communicated with the approval of the Secretary of the Department to the Legislature Secretariat. All administrative and financial matters of urgent and time bound nature, which are beyond the power of the Chief Secretary should be submitted to the Governor through the Chief Secretary.
Affidavits giving only factual information and existing status should be approved by the Secretary of the Department. Any affidavit which has policy implications should be submitted to the Governor through the Chief Secretary, states the order issued by the GAD.
