The Indian government's Union Home Ministry has given the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi much more power. Before, the Delhi government and its leaders had a big role in creating and managing important groups like the Delhi Commission for Women. Now, the LG alone can create these groups, manage them, and choose who works in them without needing to work with the Delhi government.
Key Changes:
- Creating and Managing Groups:
- The LG now has the sole authority to set up and oversee different groups and boards. Previously, the Delhi government also played a role in this.
- Appointments:
- The LG can also choose who will be on these boards and groups. Before, this process involved more people from the Delhi government.
Differences from the Previous System:
- Before, the Delhi government, including the Chief Minister and other officials, had a big role in setting up and running these groups. Now, the LG has most of this power.
- For example, LG V. K. Saxena recently used this new power to appoint leaders for local elections after the Mayor, Shelly Oberoi, did not agree with the process.
Legal Basis:
- Article 239 of the Constitution:
- This article says that the President controls Union territories like Delhi through an appointed administrator, which is the LG in this case.
- Section 45D of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act:
- This section allows the President to appoint members and set up bodies for Delhi. The recent changes follow this law, with the LG acting as directed by the President.
