The Delhi service bill:
The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, also known as the Delhi Services Bill, is being introduced in the Indian Parliament and is intended to replace an existing ordinance that defies a ruling by the Supreme Court that gives the Delhi government control over the majority of services. The Delhi Government of National Capital Territory (Amendment) Bill, 2023 amends the Delhi Government of National Capital Territory Act, 1991, which establishes the authorities and functions of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) and the elected government of Delhi. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai amid loud protests by the Opposition, led by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who raised concerns about its presentation under Rule 72 of the Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. On May 19, the Centre introduced an ordinance to overturn the Supreme Court's decision. The ordinance will be replaced with the Delhi Services Bill.
Rajya Sabha Passes Bill:
The Bill was enacted with 131 votes in favor and 102 votes against in the Rajya Sabha after opposition MPs demanded a 'division' rather than a voice vote. This method entails physically counting the votes. The Bill was already approved by the Lok Sabha on a voice vote last week. In the Rajya Sabha debate. Shah stated that the Congress government was responsible for amending the Constitution to "give Parliament powers to frame laws for Delhi on all subjects, including services." "The Congress is now opposing the Delhi Services Bill only to appease the Aam Aadmi Party," he continued. The minister also took a go at the Congress, claiming that Kejriwal will leave the opposition INDIA once the "Delhi services bill" is issued.
Some Important Points in Delhi Service bill:
The Delhi government will no longer have any say in the appointment, transfer, or posting of these officers.
The bill also empowers department secretaries to bring to the attention of the L-G, the Chief Minister, and the Chief Secretary any item that may cause friction between the Delhi Government and the Centre. In such a case, secretaries are not required to consult the relevant ministry first and may bring the situation immediately to the attention of the L-G.
The LG will have the power to appoint, transfer, and post all Group A and DANICS officers in the NCT.
The Delhi government will be able to appeal against the LG's decisions, but the final decision will rest with the LG.
The bill empowers the President of India to appoint authorities, boards, commissions, statutory bodies, or office bearers for any law of Parliament related to the Union List, while the L-G has similar powers with regard to the Delhi legislature when a matter falls under the purview of the State List.
Conclusion:
We can say it's totally against the Delhi government after passing this bill Delhi Government doesn't have a strong power. All the major powers come to L-G. This is not good for Delhi. Delhi CMis just a Cm now.
