Parliament Passes Delhi Services Bill
On Monday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aimed at reducing the authority of the Delhi Government over services. The Bill, which passed with 131 votes in favor and 102 against, had already been endorsed by the Lok Sabha on August 3. This follows the Centre's Ordinance issued on May 19 after the Supreme Court granted Delhi Government power over civil servants except in matters related to public order, police, and land.
A significant alteration in the Bill is the absence of Section 3A present in the Ordinance. However, other provisions making substantial administrative changes concerning governance in the capital remain. The proposed "National Capital Civil Service Authority" will be headed by the Chief Minister and includes the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary. This body can recommend transfers and postings for certain officers except those handling public order, land, and police.
The Bill assigns final authority to the Lieutenant Governor (LG), differing from the Ordinance which neutralized the effect of the Supreme Court. Home Minister Amit Shah contends that the Bill aligns with the Supreme Court's recognition of Parliament's ability to enact laws regarding Delhi's services. Nevertheless, opposition MPs, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argue the Bill's unconstitutionality and undermining of the elected government's power. Despite the Bill's validity, it raises concerns about its ethical implications.
