NEW DELHI: Delhi government officials rubbished rumours that the secretariat in the national capital was being sealed after an order went out on Saturday from the general administration department (GAD) that barred the removal of any important document and computer hardware from the premises.
GAD cited safety concerns, and said that documents, files and hardware like hard drives must not be taken out of the Delhi secretariat without its permission.
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“To address security concerns and the safety of records, it is requested that no files/documents, computer hardware, etc., may be taken outside the Delhi Secretariat complex without permission from GAD. It is therefore directed that necessary directions may be issued to the concerned branch in-charges under the departments/offices situated in the Delhi Secretariat to ensure the safety of records, files, documents, electronic files, etc., under their section/branches,” the order said. “This order shall also be applicable to Secretariat Offices and Camp Offices of Council of Ministers, and in-charges of both the offices are also directed for compliance with this order,” the order, signed by the joint secretary of GAD, said.
The order prompted rumours and suspicion that AAP, which on Saturday lost the assembly election to BJP, might take away or hide some important documents or files to keep them from the hands of the incoming or government of a rival party.
The GAD’s order was addressed to secretaries of all Delhi government ministries, additional secretary to the chief minister, officer on special duty to the chief secretary, and PS to additional chief secretary (GAD).
Officials denied the rumours regarding the sealing of the secretariat.
“Rumours being spread about the Delhi secretariat being sealed are incorrect and mischievous. The secretariat is functioning in a normal manner as earlier. It is being ensured that no official papers, files, records, data, laptops, and computers, etc., are removed by anyone from any of the offices in the secretariat, and the safety and security of the official records is ensured. Cooperation in this regard from all concerned is solicited,” a reply from the directorate of information and publicity said. The order prompted rumours and suspicion that AAP might take away or hide some important documents or files to keep them from the new government.