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Union Cabinet clears proposal to give more power to Lieutenant Governor

New delhi
February 4, 2021

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved some proposed amendments to the Government of NCT of Delhi Act to give more powers to the Lieutenant Governor and prescribe the time-lines for the elected government to send legislative and administrative proposals to the LG for his opinion, sources said.

The Centre has included the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 for consideration and passage during the current Budget session of Parliament. Sources said one of the proposed amendments will add a category of bills that encroach upon matters, which fall outside the purview of the legislative assembly and which the LG must reserve for consideration of the President. Sources said the amendments are meant for �better governance� and reduce potential conflicts.

They added that the Constitution confers powers on the LG to refer a particular matter to the President for a decision where his views are different than that of the council of ministers and in cases where the President�s decision is pending, the LG may take immediate decision, if he is of the opinion that the matter is urgent.

�But this constitutional provision has become inoperative after the SC observation that the city government need not obtain LG�s �concurrence� in every issue of day-to-day governance, but need to inform him,� said the source. The proposed amendment specifies that the elected government needs to send legislative proposals to LG at least 15 days in advance to seek his opinion and avoid any delays.