With Support from 131 MPs, Rajya Sabha passes the Delhi Services Bill
The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill has made its way to another victory. The Rajya Sabha, marking the final stage of scrutiny following its passage in the Lok Sabha, passed the controversial Bill amidst diligent debate on August 7. Garnering the support of 131 MPs, the Bill triumphed over the 102 MPs who cast their votes against it.
First and foremost, let us understand the main purpose of this Bill. The Centre maintains that this Bill is designed for the “maintenance of democratic and administrative balance in the governance” of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
While the NDA members were found in favour, the Bill also received backing from BJD and YSRCP members. Against the repeated attempts by the Opposition to introduce amendments, the Bill sailed smoothly through the heated discussions. Even the proposal to refer the Bill to a select committee of the Rajya Sabha was rejected.
Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, took the lead in defending the Bill. He emphasized that the Bill aims to ensure corruption-free, pro-people governance in Delhi. Defending the Parliament’s right to draft laws for all Union Territories, Shah dismissed accusations of power usurpation and attempted to lay rest to the fiery debate.
In response to the Opposition’s vehement objections on grounds of constitutionality and democracy, former Chief Justice and MP Ranjan Gogoi staunchly defended the Bill. However, his comments on the basic structure of the Constitution provoked the Congress.
With these burning questions and intense debates, one thing is clear – the passage of the Delhi Services Bill in Rajya Sabha has stirred the pot of Indian politics and administrative discussions. All eyes are now on the Union Territory of Delhi and the subsequent developments that this Bill might usher in.
