Editor,
The central government introduced a controversial Bill in the Lok Sabha that gives very important powers over Delhi’s daily functions to the centre-appointed Lieutenant Governor. The Bill was introduced to amend the 1991 Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi(GNCTD) Act . The Bill cites two judgments by the Supreme Court. Both judgments describe the powers of the Centre and the Government of Delhi in administration of the national capital. However, the Bill and its purpose have aroused anger from the Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party(AAP). It criticised the central government for proposing amendments to the GNCTD Act in parliament saying the bill will snatch all decision-making powers of the elected government and empower the Lieutenant Governor far beyond what’s needed.
The amendments to the GNCTD Act contain provisions for making it compulsory for the Delhi government to seek the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor before taking any executive action. It does not give any power to the elected government to exercise its discretion in deciding matters. As per the provisions, a prior consultation with the LG or sending of files to the LG after a decision is made is required. The central government that made this provision shows a flagrant disregard for the judgments of the five-judge bench in 2018 and a two-judge bench in 2019. The first judgment had made it clear that LG is bound to act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers. The bench suggested that the LG must work harmoniously with his ministers and must not seek to resist them at every step. The decisions of the ministers must be communicated to the LG but this does not mean that the concurrence of the LG is required. The 2019 judgment also acknowledged that the LG must be informed of all decisions of the government but there is no requirement of concurrence by him.
The apex court has said in different places in the constitution bench judgment that the Delhi assembly has legislative and executive powers over all subjects except three subjects- police, land and law and order. Notwithstanding this judgment, the 2021 amendment clearly seeks to give an upper hand to the LG and the central government in administration of the Capital. This is unwarranted and erodes centre-state relations and the spirit of federalism.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS
Kollam
Fleecing parents
Editor,
With regards to the above subject I would like to bring to your notice that, on March 16, 2021, I had gone to collect the nursery report card of my son from Tender Care School (Bishnupur) as his class teacher had called up the previous night stating that I could collect the report card today. To my surprise I was told that I have to pay the March 2021 school fees if I want the report card. When I asked the staff that since the last page of the bill book was only till February 2021 and I had paid all dues, they mentioned that the government had asked the school to collect the fees till March 2021. I was surprised and felt like a fool who could not afford to pay my son’s school fees. It was such an embarrassment..
Also few months ago when I went to pay the last installment which is for January- February 2021, I was told that all parents have to keep the report card right from KG till Class X so that whenever the students go for professional courses they can produce all those report cards. Is this just a tactic to extract money and to make sure the parents pay the extra month’s fees?
I write this letter so that such things do not happen to the vulnerable. And after all that had happened, they finally agreed to give me the report card of my son but I refused to take it.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Cancer Institute at NEIGRIHMS
Editor
On March 16, The Shillong Times carried a news report regarding the construction of Regional Cancer Centre at NEIGRIHMS. This is indeed good news because people of the state as well as the whole region will be able to get treatment at affordable rates closer to their homes. But our goal must be to prevent cancer than to cure it. Sadly, the number of tobacco related cancer patients in this state is very high. It is indeed unfortunate that while tourists from far and wide flock to Meghalaya to enjoy its climate and natural beauty, the people of the state suffer the highest incidence of cancer in the country. A large number of people, young and old are addicted to this deadly drug due to lack of proper publicity. The State Government has to campaign extensively through various means so that the youth of Meghalaya refrain from this deadly intoxication.
Yours etc.,
Mithun Sikdar,
Shillong -1