Tension Between the Union and Delhi Governments
Political and administrative disagreements between the Union government (BJP) and the Delhi government (AAP) have led to conflicts on various issues.
Supreme Court rulings and amendments to the Government of NCT of Delhi Act have limited the Delhi government's powers, creating friction with the Union government.
Recent Supreme Court rulings have allowed the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi without the Delhi govt's input, adding to the tensions
Recommendations of the 1989 Balakrishnan Committee
The committee recommended the establishment of a Legislative Assembly and council of ministers for Delhi, leading to the 69th Constitutional Amendment in 1991
The recommendations included retaining Union government control over key areas like public order, police, and land, excluding these from Delhi government jurisdiction.
Involvement of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
The MCD has been a battleground for blame-shifting, especially visible during crises like electrocution and flooding in Delhi.
Recent Supreme Court rulings giving the LG the power to nominate aldermen to the MCD without the council of ministers' advice have heightened the conflict.Way Forward
Ensure the triple chain of accountability in democracy—officials to ministers, ministers to the legislative assembly, and assembly members to the people—is respected and operational.
Redefine Governance Structure: Propose a model where New Delhi (50-100 sq km) is under Central government control and the rest of Delhi is managed by the Delhi Assembly.
This requires constitutional amendments and consensus.
Adhere to Supreme Court judgments to promote effective and accountable governance across all levels.
Encourage better collaboration between the Union, Delhi government, and MCD to address administrative challenges and service delivery issues.
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