The State of Delhi Bill in 2003

The NDA cabinet had cleared the The State of Delhi Bill in 2003. It was then introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 19, 2003, by the then deputy PM, LK Advani. The Congress government was in power in Delhi at that time, and the NDA government had claimed that the bill had the concurrence of CM Dikshit. The bill was later sent to the standing committee of home affairs headed by Pranab Mukherjee.

Delhi continues to be a Union Territory, but has special status in that it has an elected legislative assembly. It is formally called the National Territory of Delhi. Instead of a governor, it has an administrator designated as the L-G.

Moreover, A law framed by an NCT government becomes void to the extent it clashes with a Central law

In case of a difference of opinion between the Lt Gov and the state government on any matter, the Lt Gov can refer the issue to the President (the Central government). And in the intervening period, the Lt Gov has the discretion to take immediate action

Like states, the legislative assembly members are chosen by direct election from NCT’s territorial constituencies, but the strength of the council of ministers cannot be more than seven, or 10% of assembly seats (70 at present). In contrast, ministerial strength in other states is capped at 15% of the number of assembly members

NCT’S govt has the powers to make laws on all subjects in the State/Concurrent lists except matters relating to public order, police and land. Therefore, agencies such as the Delhi Development Authority are under the lieutenant governor