Delhi as State – Critical Evaluation

To prepare for Indian Polity for any competitive exam, aspirants have to know about the basics of Union and Territories. It gives an idea of all the topics important for IAS Exam and the polity syllabus (GS-II). Union and Territories and related topics are extremely important for the UPSC Exam. This is an essential portion of the polity. As IAS aspirants, you should be thorough with the Union and Territories. This article will provide you with relevant details about Delhi as State – Critical Evaluation.

• 69th Amendment 1991 created the Legislative Assembly of Delhi. Today, there are nearly two crore people in Delhi. It will be unfair to have restricted power to such popular mandate.
• It would also provide equal right of people for representation and self- governance.
• UN report projects that Delhi urban agglomeration will make it the most populous city in the world by 2028.
• An elected government representing a massive population need to have a say in law and order and land management.
• Statehood would resolve the of issue of coordination and frequent tussle between CENTRAL GOVERNMENT and Delhi government.

• Demand for full statehood has not been a national compulsion, but a call fuelled by Delhi’s local political interest and ambitions.
• Delhi is the national capital and must necessarily be viewed from the prism of the interests of the entire country.
• Delhi harbours institutions of national importance such as the president’s estate, the Parliament and foreign embassies. Special security cover and close coordination is essential for protection of these infrastructures.
• These institutions are the sole responsibility of the Union Government and not of any one particular state legislative assembly.
• India’s national capital belongs to every citizen of the country and not just those who reside in the city.
• Administrative burden over Delhi government would be enormous such as civic amenities, law and order, finances etc.

• Overlapping jurisdictions in a national capital is inbuilt and constitutional entities have to manage this reality.
• Provide greater autonomy and reasonably robust fairer power-sharing arrangements among different constituents.
• Governance restructuring would need to be done in a manner that accountability in relation to specific functions falls squarely on a single organisation/individual.
• Delhi should demand the urgent revision of the existing constitutional provisions (i.e. 69th Amendment, Article 239) and Rules of Business.