The Delhi Services Bill, officially known as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has been passed with total 131 votes votes in favour and 102 against in Rajya Sabha. It aims to replace an existing ordinance that has caused conflicts between the Aam Aadmi Party, led by the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and the Central Government.
The Parliament on Monday passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, (commonly called Delhi Services Bill) that gives the central government control over bureaucrats in the Delhi government with the Rajya Sabha approving it with 131 votes in favour and 102 against.
What happened so far?
On May 11, the Supreme Court of India took the decision in favour of the government of Delhi, giving it complete command over most services in the capital, leaving out public order, land, and police. The Centre on May 19 tabled an ordinance which gave authority to the Delhi government to make recommendations to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor on matters of transfer of postings, vigilance and other incidental issues.The Central Government’s ordinance was criticized by the AAP Government for attempting to control law and order and the bureaucracy in Delhi. The Delhi Service Bill was introduced to convert the ordinance into law, granting power to the centrally appointed bureaucrats to overrule the elected CM and senior officers in the Delhi Government.
Features of the Delhi Services Bill
The Delhi Services Bill states that the inquiries and suspensions of the officials of the national capital will be under the Centre's control. The Lieutenant Governor will be empowered to exercise his sole discretion on various matters, which will include the National Capital Civil Services Authority's recommendations and the prorogation, summoning, and dissolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.The Delhi Services Bill puts inquiries and suspension of officials in Delhi under the control of the central government.
The Lieutenant Government will have sole discretion over various matters including recommendations from the National Capital Civil Service Authority and decision related to the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
The National Capital Civil Service Authority will comprise the Chief Secretary of Delhi, the Principal Home Secretary of Delhi and the Delhi Chief Minister
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