The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday amid din. The Bill is to amend the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act 1991. It empowers the Central Government to make rules in connection with the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi including the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees. It also has a provision of constitution of the National Capital Civil Service Authority. The authority consists of the Delhi Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary of Delhi, and the Principal Home Secretary of Delhi. The Authority will make recommendations to Delhi Lieutenant Governor regarding transfers and postings of officials and disciplinary matters. The Centre had brought an ordinance in this regard in May this year.
 
Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Bill. Opposing the introduction of the Bill, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress said the legislation is against the constitution and undermines the verdict of the Supreme Court with regard to control on bureaucracy in the National Capital. NK Premachandran of RSP also opposed the Bill terming it against the principle of federalism. Saugata Roy of TMC, Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM, TR Baalu of DMK as well as Congress members Gaurav Gogoi and Shashi Tharoor also opposed the introduction of the Bill. However, Pinaki Misra of BJD said, the Supreme Court itself in its judgment had said that Parliament can make legislation with regard to Delhi.
 
Responding to opposition parties’ objections, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, Parliament has full competence to pass such legislation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, Indian constitution gives full power to Parliament to legislate the matter related to Delhi. He said the Supreme Court in its judgment had clarified that Parliament can bring any law regarding Delhi. He added that objections on the Bill are political.