After much debate, the Centre has finally announced that some powers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be delegated to the State government.

Paying heed to the longstanding demand of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the Union Home Ministry on Monday, said that “some powers” of the MCD have been delegated to the Government of the National Capital Territory, Delhi (GNCTD).

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.”

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