Indian Parliament passed a critical bill on August 7, 2023 that will redefine power distribution between the Centre and the governing authority in Delhi. However, the question arises whether this bill will hinder or enhance Delhi's journey toward becoming a world-class capital.

Indian Parliament passes Delhi Services Bill: Delhi's path to world-class capital | The India Story

The Delhi Services Bill, formally called Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, is being tabled in the Indian Parliament and is set to replace a current ordinance which overrides a directive of the Supreme Court that had given command to the government of Delhi over most services. 
 
The ordinance has been a major reason for contention between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party and the central government.

The bill was passed in both the upper and lower houses of Indian parliament on August 7th. It will promulgate into law once signed by India's President Draupadi Murmu.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened so far?</h2>

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. 
 
"In view of its special status as a national capital, a scheme of administration has to be formulated by law, to balance both local and national democratic interests which are at stake, which would reflect the aspirations of the people through joint and collective responsibility of both the Government of India and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD)," the government order had said.

"A permanent authority headed by the Delhi chief minister is being introduced to make recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor regarding matters concerning transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters," it further said. 
 
The BJP-led Centre was slammed by the AAP government for trying to subvert law and order and taking control of the bureaucracy in the capital city.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bill-to-replace-delhi-services-ordinance-passed-in-lok-sabha-622059">Lok Sabha passes bill to replace ordinance for control of services in Delhi; Shah slams opposition</a>

Last Thursday (August 3), Lok Sabha passed a bill which will translate an ordinance into law and will give powers to the Centre-appointed bureaucrats to overrule the elected chief minister and senior officers in the Delhi government even as the opposition parties held a walkout. 
 
A nearly four-hour-long debate was held in the Lok Sabha after the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed. 
 
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, while responding to the debate on the bill, clearly stated that the power lies with the central government to make laws on Union territories, and since Delhi is a Union territory, the Centre has full rights to make rules for it as well. 
 
Reacting to the Opposition's allegations that the Bill is aimed at removing Delhi Assembly’s powers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "All objections raised are political, which do not have any Constitutional basis.”

<h2>What is the new bill all about?</h2>

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 National Capital Civil Services Authority will include the Chief Secretary of Delhi, the Principal Home Secretary of Delhi and the Delhi Chief Minister. 
 
If the bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha, it will then replace an existing ordinance which overrides an order of the Supreme Court and gives the most control over most services to the Delhi government.

<h2>Why Opposition leaders are against it?</h2>

Reacting to the debate over Delhi Services Bill, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor alleged that "blatant subversion of the constitutional separation of powers" is happening through the bill. He added that the country is now seeing "coercive federalism". 
 
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Tharoor argued that the proposed bill is a representation of a "grave chapter in the history of the Indian republic, seeking to ratify an ordinance that in many ways is an assault on our democratic heritage and the spirit of federalism".

WATCH |&nbsp;India: Delhi services bill: AAP issues whip for Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in House

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Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi, while intervening in the debate, said that the country has a quasi-federal structure and the Centre is at primacy. She stated that the bill is aimed at statutorily balancing the interests of the Union Territory of Delhi and the nation. 
 
"India has a quasi-federal structure, which the Constitution demarcates. India is not federal," said Lekhi, adding that the country is being “mislead” by many practising lawyers.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill is trying to snatch an elected government's power which is unconstitutional. 
 
"Snatching the powers of the elected government of Delhi is unconstitutional. It is against the Constitution to snatch the powers of an elected government, whichever party is in power,” said Chowdhury, while speaking to media outside Parliament. 
 
Delhi CM Kejriwal, sharply reacting to the debate, tweeted, "BJP always promised to give full statehood to Delhi. In 2014, Modi himself said that on becoming prime minister, he would give full statehood to Delhi. But today these people stabbed the people of Delhi in the back. Don't believe anything said by Modi ji from now on.”

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The Delhi Services Bill, formally called Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, is being tabled in the Indian Parliament and is set to replace a current ordinance which overrides a directive of the Supreme Court that had given command to the government of Delhi over most services.

The Delhi Services Bill, formally called Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, is being tabled in the Indian Parliament and is set to replace a current ordinance which overrides a directive of the Supreme Court that had given command to the government of Delhi over most services. The ordinance has been a major reason for contention between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party and the central government. The bill was passed in both the upper and lower houses of Indian parliament on August 7th. It will promulgate into law once signed by India's President Draupadi Murmu. 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. "In view of its special status as a national capital, a scheme of administration has to be formulated by law, to balance both local and national democratic interests which are at stake, which would reflect the aspirations of the people through joint and collective responsibility of both the Government of India and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD)," the government order had said. "A permanent authority headed by the Delhi chief minister is being introduced to make recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor regarding matters concerning transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters," it further said. The BJP-led Centre was slammed by the AAP government for trying to subvert law and order and taking control of the bureaucracy in the capital city. ALSO READ | Lok Sabha passes bill to replace ordinance for control of services in Delhi; Shah slams opposition Last Thursday (August 3), Lok Sabha passed a bill which will translate an ordinance into law and will give powers to the Centre-appointed bureaucrats to overrule the elected chief minister and senior officers in the Delhi government even as the opposition parties held a walkout. A nearly four-hour-long debate was held in the Lok Sabha after the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, while responding to the debate on the bill, clearly stated that the power lies with the central government to make laws on Union territories, and since Delhi is a Union territory, the Centre has full rights to make rules for it as well. Reacting to the Opposition's allegations that the Bill is aimed at removing Delhi Assembly’s powers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "All objections raised are political, which do not have any Constitutional basis.” What is the new bill all about? 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 National Capital Civil Services Authority will include the Chief Secretary of Delhi, the Principal Home Secretary of Delhi and the Delhi Chief Minister. If the bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha, it will then replace an existing ordinance which overrides an order of the Supreme Court and gives the most control over most services to the Delhi government. Why Opposition leaders are against it? Reacting to the debate over Delhi Services Bill, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor alleged that "blatant subversion of the constitutional separation of powers" is happening through the bill. He added that the country is now seeing "coercive federalism". Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Tharoor argued that the proposed bill is a representation of a "grave chapter in the history of the Indian republic, seeking to ratify an ordinance that in many ways is an assault on our democratic heritage and the spirit of federalism". WATCH | India: Delhi services bill: AAP issues whip for Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in House Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi, while intervening in the debate, said that the country has a quasi-federal structure and the Centre is at primacy. She stated that the bill is aimed at statutorily balancing the interests of the Union Territory of Delhi and the nation. "India has a quasi-federal structure, which the Constitution demarcates. India is not federal," said Lekhi, adding that the country is being “mislead” by many practising lawyers. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill is trying to snatch an elected government's power which is unconstitutional. "Snatching the powers of the elected government of Delhi is unconstitutional. It is against the Constitution to snatch the powers of an elected government, whichever party is in power,” said Chowdhury, while speaking to media outside Parliament. Delhi CM Kejriwal, sharply reacting to the debate, tweeted, "BJP always promised to give full statehood to Delhi. In 2014, Modi himself said that on becoming prime minister, he would give full statehood to Delhi. But today these people stabbed the people of Delhi in the back. Don't believe anything said by Modi ji from now on.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect Indian capital's governance?

The Delhi Services Bill was passed on Monday (August 7) by Rajya Sabha, a big win for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it gives the central government control over bureaucrats in the Delhi government. The legislation, formally known as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to replace an ordinance on the handling of transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government.&nbsp;

The bill was earlier passed the Lok Sabha by a voice vote on Thursday. Rajya Sabha approved it with 131 votes in favour and 102 against, which was a challenge for the government as the ruling NDA is yet to cross the majority mark in the upper house of the parliament.&nbsp;

Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill saying it is aimed at providing effective and corruption-free governance in the national capital.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-delhi-services-bill-how-will-it-affect-national-capitals-governance-623158">What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect Indian capital's governance?</a>&nbsp;

The legislation was opposed by the Opposition bloc INDIA and the BRS. They said that it was "unconstitutional, undemocratic and against the spirit of federalism".&nbsp;

Naveen Patnaik's BJD and the YSRCP supported the bill, wasting the efforts of the Opposition, including bringing former prime minister Manmohan Singh in a wheelchair and an ailing Shibu Soren to the House.&nbsp;

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Replying on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha. <a href="https://t.co/4ttRqrSH2E">https://t.co/4ttRqrSH2E</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1688562440982937600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Kejriwal slams PM Modi&nbsp;</h2>

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public."&nbsp;

Kejriwal called it a "black day in the history of India's democracy".&nbsp;

But Home Minister Shah, who moved the bill, has claimed that the Delhi services bill doesn't violate an earlier Supreme Court judgment.&nbsp;

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Delhi | On Delhi Services Bill passed in Rajya Sabha, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public." <a href="https://t.co/Y25XLo7BF2">pic.twitter.com/Y25XLo7BF2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1688594224760197121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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The Delhi Services Bill was passed on Monday (August 7) by Rajya Sabha, a big win for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it gives the central government control over bureaucrats in the Delhi government.

The Delhi Services Bill was passed on Monday (August 7) by Rajya Sabha, a big win for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it gives the central government control over bureaucrats in the Delhi government. The legislation, formally known as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to replace an ordinance on the handling of transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government. The bill was earlier passed the Lok Sabha by a voice vote on Thursday. Rajya Sabha approved it with 131 votes in favour and 102 against, which was a challenge for the government as the ruling NDA is yet to cross the majority mark in the upper house of the parliament. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill saying it is aimed at providing effective and corruption-free governance in the national capital. Also read: What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect Indian capital's governance? The legislation was opposed by the Opposition bloc INDIA and the BRS. They said that it was "unconstitutional, undemocratic and against the spirit of federalism". Naveen Patnaik's BJD and the YSRCP supported the bill, wasting the efforts of the Opposition, including bringing former prime minister Manmohan Singh in a wheelchair and an ailing Shibu Soren to the House. Replying on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha. https://t.co/4ttRqrSH2E — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2023 × Kejriwal slams PM Modi Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public." Kejriwal called it a "black day in the history of India's democracy". But Home Minister Shah, who moved the bill, has claimed that the Delhi services bill doesn't violate an earlier Supreme Court judgment. Delhi | On Delhi Services Bill passed in Rajya Sabha, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public." pic.twitter.com/Y25XLo7BF2 — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Parliament passes Delhi services bill, Kejriwal calls it 'black day' in history of India's democracy

The politically contentious Delhi Services Bill, which will replace the Ordinance on control of services in the national capital, will be tabled in Rajya Sabha today. The bill is listed for final consideration after the Question Hour.

India: Delhi services bill: AAP issues whip for Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in House

Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday opposed the introduction of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and said that it is our right to oppose the bill.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters, the Lok Sabha MP said, "A brief introduction on the Delhi (NCT) Ordinance Bill took place in the Parliament today. However, only an introduction was held and not a debate on it. It is our right to oppose the introduction and five to six members of the opposition tried to oppose it".

"Although, one of the parties from the opposition supported the government. Others said that it is illegal and that the government is taking unconstitutional actions,"&nbsp;added Tharoor.&nbsp;

Notably, the bill to replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi was introduced in Lok Sabha today. The controversial bill aims to replace an ordinance that granted the Centre control over Delhi's bureaucrats, thereby overriding a Supreme Court ruling favouring the elected government's authority in transfers and appointments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-lokmanya-tilak-national-award-pm-modi-to-be-conferred-with-award-in-pune-621276">What is Lokmanya Tilak National Award? PM Modi conferred with the honour in Pune</a>

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Opposition members, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, NK Premachandran and Shashi Tharoor, opposed the introduction of the bill.

"I rise to oppose the introduction of the bill as the bill vindicates the outrageous infringement of this government upon the territory of the state. It is designed of digging up a graveyard for cooperative federalism. The state has rights over the subject centre is overriding powers," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said.

Revolutionist Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran questioned the legislative competence of Lok Sabha over the bill. 
"There is no meaning of government in delhi if this bill gets passed. It is taking away legislative powers from the elected government through bureaucrats. It is overriding the Supreme Court," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-women-sanitation-workers-earning-usd-3-per-day-win-usd-12-million-lottery-621397">India: Women sanitation workers, earning USD 3 per day, win USD 1.2 million lottery</a>

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that this bill is violating multiple provisions of the constitution."It is a violation of Article 123. It is violating the separation of powers theory. There is no legislative competence. I demand a division of votes," he said.

Rejecting the contentions of opposition members, Home Minister Amit Shah said that Constitution has given the House power to pass any law regarding Delhi.

He said the Supreme Court judgement has clarified that parliament can bring any law regarding Delhi and the opposition parties were opposing its introduction for political considerations.

The bill empowers the Central Government to make rules in connection with the affairs of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi including the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees.

The Centre on May 19 promulgated the Ordinance for control of services in Delhi. The ordinance was promulgated days after the Supreme Court order on the issue.&nbsp;

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Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday opposed the introduction of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and said that it is our right to oppose the bill.

Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday opposed the introduction of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and said that it is our right to oppose the bill. Speaking to reporters, the Lok Sabha MP said, "A brief introduction on the Delhi (NCT) Ordinance Bill took place in the Parliament today. However, only an introduction was held and not a debate on it. It is our right to oppose the introduction and five to six members of the opposition tried to oppose it". "Although, one of the parties from the opposition supported the government. Others said that it is illegal and that the government is taking unconstitutional actions," added Tharoor. Notably, the bill to replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi was introduced in Lok Sabha today. The controversial bill aims to replace an ordinance that granted the Centre control over Delhi's bureaucrats, thereby overriding a Supreme Court ruling favouring the elected government's authority in transfers and appointments. Also read | What is Lokmanya Tilak National Award? PM Modi conferred with the honour in Pune Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Opposition members, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, NK Premachandran and Shashi Tharoor, opposed the introduction of the bill. "I rise to oppose the introduction of the bill as the bill vindicates the outrageous infringement of this government upon the territory of the state. It is designed of digging up a graveyard for cooperative federalism. The state has rights over the subject centre is overriding powers," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. Revolutionist Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran questioned the legislative competence of Lok Sabha over the bill. "There is no meaning of government in delhi if this bill gets passed. It is taking away legislative powers from the elected government through bureaucrats. It is overriding the Supreme Court," he said. Also read | India: Women sanitation workers, earning USD 3 per day, win USD 1.2 million lottery AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that this bill is violating multiple provisions of the constitution."It is a violation of Article 123. It is violating the separation of powers theory. There is no legislative competence. I demand a division of votes," he said. Rejecting the contentions of opposition members, Home Minister Amit Shah said that Constitution has given the House power to pass any law regarding Delhi. He said the Supreme Court judgement has clarified that parliament can bring any law regarding Delhi and the opposition parties were opposing its introduction for political considerations. The bill empowers the Central Government to make rules in connection with the affairs of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi including the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees. The Centre on May 19 promulgated the Ordinance for control of services in Delhi. The ordinance was promulgated days after the Supreme Court order on the issue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'It is our right to oppose': Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor on introduction of Delhi Services Bill