What special status did the Sixty-ninth Amendment Act, 1991 give to Delhi?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Designated Delhi as the National Capital Territory with a legislative assembly

• The Sixty-ninth Amendment Act, 1991 granted special status to Delhi, officially known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

• The amendment provided Delhi with a legislative assembly for the first time, empowering it to make laws on matters in the State List, except for matters relating to public order, police, and land.

• The Lieutenant Governor remained the administrator, and Delhi retained its status as a Union Territory, with certain autonomy granted by the amendment.

• The amendment also led to the creation of a Delhi Legislative Assembly, and it established a Chief Minister and Council of Ministers for Delhi.

• It did not grant full statehood to Delhi, and important subjects like police and land remained under the control of the central government.

Information Booster:
• NCT of Delhi: The Sixty-ninth Amendment Act of 1991 recognized Delhi as the National Capital Territory (NCT), distinct from other Union Territories, and created a legislative framework for its governance.
• Legislative Assembly: Delhi was granted a legislative assembly with powers similar to those of a state legislature but with restrictions.
• Autonomy Limits: While Delhi has legislative powers, the central government retains authority over key matters like police and public order.

Other Important Amendments Related to Delhi:
• The 12th Amendment Act, 1962: It extended the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to Delhi, allowing the Delhi Legislative Assembly to elect representatives.
• The 69th Amendment Act, 1991: As discussed, this act granted Delhi special status, with a legislative assembly, but retaining control over matters like law and order with the central government.
• The 70th Amendment Act, 1992: It clarified that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi would be appointed by the President of India and not by the Delhi government.

Additional Information:

• History of Delhi:

  • Delhi has been an important city since ancient times, serving as the capital of various empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Mughals. It is home to several historical landmarks like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate.

  • The city became the capital of India after the British moved it from Calcutta in 1911. Since independence, Delhi has been designated as the National Capital Territory.

  • Delhi has always had a special significance as the center of governance and administration in India.

• Current Chief Minister of Delhi: As of 2025, the current Chief Minister of Delhi is Smt. Rekha Gupta.

• Current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: The current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi is Shri V.K. Saxena, who took office on May 31, 2022. He represents the President of India and oversees the administration of Delhi.