Lok Sabha has passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021. The Bill amends the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 which provides a framework for the functioning of the Legislative Assembly and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Bill amends certain powers and responsibilities of the Legislative Assembly and the Lieutenant Governor.
It further seeks to ensure that the Lieutenant Governor is necessarily granted an opportunity to exercise the power in select category of cases, in emergency. The Bill also gives powers to LG to make rules in matters which fall outside the preview of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. It has a provision that all executive action will be expressed to be taken in the name of the Lieutenant Governor.
Replying to the discussion, Minister of State for Home, G. Kishan Reddy said the bill aims at promoting harmonious relations between the legislature and the executive in the national capital. He said it was a technical necessity as the Supreme Court, High court and other forums were discussing the ambiguity at different times and issuing the orders on the NCT Act 1991. Therefore, the Minister said, it’s the responsibility of Parliament to clear confusion and the ambiguity.
While refuting the comments of some Members, he said, amendments in the Bill neither aimed at taking away the powers of the elected government of Delhi nor give additional powers to the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital.
He also reminded the members that Delhi is a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly with limited powers, in its originality. He said, the Government has to keep consulting the LG as the administrator. In case of any difference of opinion on any matter between LG and the Delhi government, the Minister said that the LG would refer the same to the President of India.
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