The Indian Parliament has given its final approval to a contentious piece of legislation that significantly alters the governance framework of the national capital. The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, commonly referred to as the Delhi Services Bill, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Monday, following its earlier clearance in the Lok Sabha.
Parliamentary Approval and Heated Debate
The bill was passed in the Upper House with 131 votes in favor and 102 against, after a marathon debate that stretched over seven hours. This legislative move effectively replaces an ordinance promulgated by the central government in May, which had taken control of bureaucrat postings and transfers in Delhi away from the elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the bill in both houses, defended it as essential for preventing corruption and ensuring effective administration in the capital. He argued that Delhi, being the national capital and hosting critical institutions, cannot have two parallel power centers. The legislation establishes a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA), headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi, to make recommendations on postings and transfers. However, the final authority rests with the Lieutenant Governor (LG), who is appointed by the central government.
Opposition's Fierce Resistance and Dharna
The passage of the bill was met with fierce resistance from a united opposition bloc, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and others. Leaders from these parties condemned the bill as an unconstitutional overreach that undermines federal principles and the spirit of the Supreme Court's recent verdict, which had granted the Delhi government greater control over services.
In a dramatic display of protest, opposition MPs staged a sit-in dharna inside Parliament premises after the bill was passed. They raised slogans and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of systematically dismantling the elected government's authority in Delhi. Congress leader P. Chidambaram called the bill a "direct assault on federalism," while AAP's Raghav Chadha labeled it a "political fraud."
Implications and Political Fallout
The enactment of this bill marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing power tussle between the Centre and the Delhi government. It formalizes the central government's control over the bureaucracy in Delhi, a key administrative lever. The AAP government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has consistently argued that without control over officers, its ability to implement policies and programs for which it was elected is severely hampered.
This development is expected to have significant political ramifications. It has galvanized the opposition, bringing various parties together on a platform of defending federalism. The issue is likely to feature prominently in the political discourse leading up to future elections. For now, the legislative battle has concluded in Parliament, but the constitutional and political debate over Delhi's unique status is far from over.
The passage of the GNCTD Bill underscores the complex interplay between law, politics, and governance in India's capital, setting a precedent that will be closely watched by other states and union territories.
