Mumbai: It's not about all the files, as reported, will be routed through Deputy Chief Ministers – Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, but rather specific topics, mostly technical, will be directed to them.
The much-touted circular, issued on March 18, which has become a topic of discussion in the political circle by now, clearly addresses the subjects mentioned in the Second Schedule of the Rules of Business of the Government of Maharashtra.
The list limits itself to 28 subjects that are to be brought before the council of ministers. It contains mostly the legal and technical issues raised on the basis of the Constitutional provisions.
Some of the subjects mentioned in the schedule include issues related to the dismissal, removal or suspension of MPSC members, proposals for legislation, any proposals that affect state finances which do not have Finance Minister's consent, disposal of any property of the government exceeding Rs25 lakh and reports of Public Accounts Committee.
Subjects related to any important change of policy or practice, proposal for the withdrawal or prosecution by the government, creation of any public office, changes in the conditions of service of the members of all India or state services, reports of government-appointed inquiry committee and cases required by the CM to be brought before the council also need to be checked by the Dy CMs.
Since the formation of the government and the rules of business are the Constitutional process, not all the powers enjoyed by the CM are divided among other members of the cabinet. Accordingly, each file can not be routed through the Deputy CMs, highly placed sources told the FPJ.
The circular issued on March 18 sought to put to rest the speculations of a cold war between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, it is said.
