In a significant move, Delhi has been freed from the control of Union Home Ministry and placed directly under the control of the President of India. It has been done through a presidential promulgation that notifies that Delhi will be subject to direct control of the President of India in place of the Union Home Ministry. According to earlier provisions, Delhi was under the administrative control of the Home Ministry. The order clearly means that Delhi Lieutenant Governor now needs not to send any proposal increasing its power and privileges to Home Ministry for approval.
The move bears immense political significance as it means giving tremendous power to LG at a time when Delhi is headed for assembly elections, likely to be held in January-February next year.
Now, the LG will be empowered to constitute any authority, board, commission or any statutory body as he wishes. Besides, the LG will have free hand in appointing any government officer or ex officio member to such authority, board, commission or any statutory body.
