On Thursday, the Lok Sabha approved the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, commonly called as Delhi Ordinance Bill which pertains to the Centre’s ordinance concerning the administration of services in the capital.
The ordinance was issued by the Centre on May 19, granting it the authority to handle the transfer and postings of Group A officers in Delhi. This move came shortly after the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating that Delhi’s elected government has jurisdiction over services, except in matters of law and order, police, and land.
During the debate on the bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah argued that services have historically been under the control of the Central government. He mentioned that the Supreme Court’s interpretation was given, and from 1993 to 2015, no Chief Minister contested this matter. The focus of each government, regardless of party affiliation, was to serve the people rather than engage in disputes. He emphasized that the need to serve should override the desire for power, which can lead to conflicts.
