New Bill on powers of Delhi government,

Q. Why is this in news ?

A. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to introduce legislation in the ongoing Parliament session to amend a 1991 Act pertaining to the powers and function of the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor.

Q. What are some of proposed amendments of the Bill?

• The Bill proposes to clearly spell out the functions of the Council of Ministers and the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) by giving more discretionary powers to the L-G.
• As per the Bill, the L-G could act in his discretion in any matter that is beyond the purview of the powers of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi in matters related to the All India (Civil) Services and the Anti-Corruption Branch.
• It will also give more teeth to the L-G, and the validity of any decision taken as per such discretion shall not be questioned.

Q. What is Constitutional Special provisions for Delhi?

• The Union Territory of Delhi with a Legislative Assembly came into being in 1991 under Article 239AA of the Constitution inserted by ‘the Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991’.
• It said that the UT of Delhi shall be called the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• The administrator thereof appointed under Article 239 shall be designated as the Lieutenant-Governor.
• According to the existing Act, the Legislative Assembly of Delhi has the power to make laws in all matters except public order, police, and land.