New Delhi, Sept 4: President Droupadi Murmu has authorized Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena to form or appoint members to any authority, board, commission, or statutory body in the national capital, according to a recent notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The MHA’s gazette notification states, “In pursuance of clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution read with section 45D of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 (1 of 1992), the President hereby directs that the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi shall, subject to the control of the President and until further orders, exercise the powers of the President under clause (a) of section 45D of the said Act for constitution of any authority, board, commission or any statutory body by whatever name it may be called, or for appointment of any Government officer or ex-officio member to such authority, board, commission or any statutory body.”
This directive is expected to heighten the ongoing friction between the Delhi government and the L-G office. The two have been at odds over various administrative and governance issues.
In 2023, President Murmu had approved the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, which mandated that all transfers and postings of officers be managed by the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA). The amendment grants the L-G the final decision-making authority, leading to criticism from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the Centre of attempting to 'arm twist' Delhi’s residents and undermine their democratic choice.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticized the L-G, alleging that he intends to use public funds to enhance his own image through social media. “He (L-G) has a desire to become famous by spending Delhi taxpayers’ money,” Bharadwaj claimed.
As the latest order from the MHA takes effect, it remains to be seen how this development will influence the already strained relationship between Delhi’s government and the L-G’s office.
