Centre hands over part of MCD powers to Delhi government

Consequently,while the crucial power to dissolve the MCD house,the power to amend building by-laws and the power to appoint the Commissioner stay with the Centre,a list of 42 “powers” or responsibilities have been delegated to the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi.

The L-G will,henceforth,have a direct say in matters pertaining to budget,money allotted to projects,the MCD Commissioner’s appointment and changes in policy matters.

The official statement issued by the Ministry on the same reads that the decision to delegate powers has come after careful consideration and demand from many corners.

“After careful consideration,the Centre has decided to delegate its powers and many of the provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act,1957,to the GNCTD. In some cases,the power has been delegated subject to the condition that the power may be exercised or the order passed with the previous approval of the Centre. Some powers,however,of the Central Government will continue to be delegated to the L-G,” it reads.

The Ministry has further said that the Centre will observe the functioning of the Corporation under the new set up and then decide on “delegating further powers.”

The decision,meanwhile,has witnessed mixed reactions from MCD members.

Opposition members have welcomed the move saying that it will smoothen the functioning of the corporation.

“The delegation of MCD’s power to GNCTD will improve its working.  Now,that the Delhi government will be able to exercise more effective control over the civic body,it will lead to better administration and also strengthen the financial base of the civic body,” said leader of Opposition,MCD,Jai Kishen Sharma.

While the BJP members have accepted the decision,leader of the MCD house Subhash Arya has warned that if the state government tries to “overshadow their functioning,the BJP members will oppose the move.”

“Since,the Centre has retained crucial powers it does not matter whether we report to the Centre or to the state about our other activities. If the ministry has delegated the powers of the Corporation,we will abide by the decision. The move,however,is politically motivated and unpleasant,” said Arya.

Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain and MCD Commissioner K S Mehra too said that the move will not change the way the Corporation conducts its day-to-day affairs.

“The delegation of power does not change anything outright. While it could have an indirect effect on the elected members,the officers of the Corporation will continue working as they did until now,” said Mehra.

“While till now we were reporting to the Centre,we will henceforth report to the Lieutenant Governor that is the only change,” he added.