NEW DELHI: The major administrative reshuffle carried out by the Delhi Government recently was one of the major reasons that led to the softening of MLAs' stand on the issue of power and water. Though the transfers have been termed routine, there is talk in the political and administrative circles that this had been done to deflate the campaign by the rival group and set at rest misgivings about the functioning of the Power Department and the Delhi Jal Board.

The removal of S. Regunathan as Principal Secretary (Power) and shifting of Delhi Jal Board CEO Rakesh Mohan was done by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit just before the crucial December 17 Congress Legislature Party meeting. It is another matter that the issue of demolitions dominated the meeting and water and power were pushed to the background. A vast majority of the Ministers and legislators were of the view that changes were made in the bureaucracy to cool down tempers before the December 17 CLP meeting and the winter session of the Delhi Assembly that passed off peacefully as far the loyalist faction was concerned.

A majority of the MLAs were critical of the style of functioning of Chief Secretary S. Regunathan, who till the other day was also Principal Secretary (Power), and also of the working of the Delhi Jal Board. The sudden relieving of the two heads is seen as a reconciliatory move. "By removing two most important people from the prestigious posts, the Chief Minister has certainly punctured the campaign by her rivals and sent across a message that she was willing to be accommodative and considerate in her approach,'' a senior official remarked.

However, there is another view within the administration that the shifting of the Delhi Jal Board CEO Rakesh Mohan as Principal Secretary (Public Works Department) was done to pep up the working of the Department as PWD is in the process of executing massive infrastructure projects and there was certainly a need for an expert hand to set the ball rolling.

On the other hand, a section of the bureaucracy feels that Mr. Mohan, considered close to the Chief Minister, was being sent to the PWD to keep an eye on the working of the Department and the Finance Minister, A. K. Walia. Dr. Walia had recently rebutted the charge of poor status of roads maintained by PWD. Interestingly, the Delhi Government has been constantly facing a shortage of good officers and those who are working hard and are considered efficient are one by one leaving for Central deputation or to work in some other State.

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