Cabinet approves amendments to give more power to Delhi's L-G
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved proposed amendments to the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, that will give more power to the Lieutenant Governor. The amendments dictate timelines within which an elected government has to approach the L-G with legislative and administrative proposals, reports TOI. Sources told the daily that these amendments are aimed at reducing "political conflicts." Here are more details.
Centre hoping to pass Bill in the Budget Session
In the ongoing Budget Session, the Centre hopes to table and pass the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The approval assumes significance considering the consistent conflict between the current Delhi government, led by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and L-G Anil Baijal. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal remained at loggerheads with Baijal even when the coronavirus situation worsened in Delhi.
Kejriwal reserved beds for bonafide residents, Baijal overturned order
In June last year, when coronavirus cases in Delhi surged worryingly, Kejriwal's government issued a directive reserving beds in hospitals for bonafide residents. The order was quickly overturned by Baijal, who asked authorities to ensure no person is denied treatment on ground of not being a Delhi resident. Kejriwal and Baijal didn't come on the same page on the quarantine policy as well.
Elected government will have to send proposals to L-G sooner
With the frequent disagreements between both parties and in view of the 2019 Supreme Court order, the Centre considered amending the Act to provide clarity about jurisdictions. Once the amendments are cleared, an elected government will have to furnish a legislative proposal to L-G at least 15 days in advance. The timeline for administrative proposals is seven days, reports NDTV.
Union Cabinet gave nod in a secretive way: Manish Sisodia
Delhi's Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said the Union Cabinet's move goes against the Constitution and claimed the nod was given in a secretive manner. "The Bill would give L-G power to stop work being done by the government elected by people of Delhi. Giving powers to L-G means handing it to Centre and in tandem to BJP, (sic)" he said.
