Centre tables the Delhi Services Bill in Lok Sabha | Fusion - WeRIndia

Centre tables the Delhi Services Bill in Lok Sabha

Centre tables the Delhi Services Bill in Lok Sabha

In a move that has sparked controversy and clashes between the Delhi government and the Union government, the contentious Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was presented in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

This proposed legislation aims to replace an existing ordinance concerning the control of services in the national capital. It gives the Delhi Lieutenant Governor the final authority in matters of transfer and posting of Delhi government officials.

The Union Cabinet granted its approval for the bill on July 25, intensifying the ongoing tussle.

Minister of State for Home Affairs introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha to overturn the Supreme Court’s verdict from May, which granted the Delhi government control over administrative services.


Since the Monsoon Session of Parliament began, the Opposition has been vehemently protesting against the ordinance.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the validity of the ordinance.

Over the past few months, Kejriwal has embarked on a nationwide tour, meeting with Opposition leaders to garner support against the bill and thwart its passage in the Rajya Sabha, where the NDA lacks sufficient numbers.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Chowdhury, strongly condemned it. He asserted that it violates the principles of federalism by infringing on the states’ rights.

Also, he expressed concerns that this legislation could severely undermine the cooperative spirit of federal governance.

The situation surrounding the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, remains tense, as both the Delhi government and the Union government hold firm in their positions.

While the bill has made its way to the Lok Sabha, its fate in the Rajya Sabha remains uncertain, with opposition from various parties.

As the debate rages on, the delicate balance of power between the Centre and the Delhi government hangs in the balance.

The final outcome will significantly impact the governance and administrative framework in the national capital, making it a crucial matter of concern for citizens and policymakers alike.

The introduction of the Delhi Services Bill in the Lok Sabha has fueled the ongoing conflict between the Delhi government and the Union government over the control of administrative services.

The Opposition’s vehement protests and the AAP government’s challenge in the Supreme Court underscore the intensity of this battle.

As the bill awaits further deliberation in the Rajya Sabha, the nation watches closely, aware of the potential implications it holds for federalism and governance in Delhi.

Image Credit: KuwarOnline, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons


Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ParliamentOfIndia.jpg

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