What Is 06th Vidhan Sabha of Delhi

Overview

The 6th Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) of Delhi was constituted following the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections held on 7 February 2015. This assembly term lasted for five years, from February 2015 to February 2020, representing the sixth complete legislative session of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The assembly consists of 70 elected members who are responsible for legislation, policy-making, and governance of Delhi.

The 2015 elections marked a historic turning point in Delhi's political landscape, with the Aam Aadmi Party achieving an unprecedented landslide victory. Arvind Kejriwal was sworn in as Chief Minister on 14 February 2015, leading the Second Kejriwal ministry. This decisive mandate demonstrated the electorate's strong support for change and governance reforms in the capital city.

How It Works

The Delhi Legislative Assembly operates as the legislative body of the National Capital Territory, with the following key functions and processes:

• Electoral Process: The assembly members are elected through direct universal adult suffrage from 70 constituencies across Delhi, with each constituency electing one representative for a five-year term.
• Government Formation: The party or coalition with the majority support forms the government, and the Chief Minister is elected by the assembly members to lead the executive branch.
• Legislative Functions: The assembly drafts, discusses, and passes bills on matters under its jurisdiction such as education, healthcare, public works, and local governance, excluding matters reserved for the central government.
• Question Hour and Debate: Members participate in question hour to hold the government accountable, engage in debates on policy matters, and represent constituent grievances and development issues.
• Committee Work: Various standing committees examine bills, conduct oversight of government ministries, and investigate matters of public importance to ensure transparent and efficient governance.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Anti-Corruption Mandate: The 6th assembly was elected with a strong public mandate for good governance and anti-corruption measures, reflecting widespread voter demand for accountability and transparent administration in Delhi.
• Policy Reforms: Under this assembly's oversight, significant policy initiatives were launched in education, healthcare, power sector, and water supply, establishing new governance standards for urban administration in India's capital.
• Political Realignment: The 2015 elections represented a significant shift in Delhi's political dynamics, marking the decline of traditional parties and the emergence of a new political force, which influenced subsequent elections across India.
• Administrative Achievements: The assembly witnessed implementation of various welfare schemes and infrastructural projects including improvements in public education, healthcare facilities, and the launch of schemes benefiting citizens.

The 6th Vidhan Sabha of Delhi holds significant importance in the city's democratic history as it represented a decisive break from previous governance patterns. The overwhelming mandate given to the Aam Aadmi Party reflected public aspirations for transparent administration and people-centric governance. During its tenure from 2015 to 2020, this assembly passed numerous bills and policies that shaped Delhi's development trajectory. The election results demonstrated the power of citizen participation in democratic processes and set a precedent for subsequent elections. Understanding this assembly's role is crucial for comprehending Delhi's contemporary political evolution and governance frameworks.