Explanations:The governance structure of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi is unique and distinct from other states in India. The GNCT of Delhi Amendment Act 2021, which amended the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act 1991, clarified the role of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in the governance of Delhi. The Act defines the 'government of Delhi' as the Lieutenant Governor, who is the constitutional head of the territory.
The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the President of India and is responsible for the administration of the NCT. The LG acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi. However, the LG has the final authority in decision-making and can act independently in certain matters, particularly those related to law and order, land, and police.
The Chief Minister of Delhi, while the head of the Council of Ministers, does not hold the constitutional position of the 'government of Delhi.' The Cabinet Ministers, who are part of the Council of Ministers, also do not collectively form the 'government of Delhi' as defined by the Act. The Prime Minister of India, who is the head of the central government, does not directly govern the NCT of Delhi.
Understanding the role of the Lieutenant Governor is crucial for comprehending the governance structure of Delhi. The LG's position is pivotal in the administration of the territory, and the GNCT of Delhi Amendment Act 2021 reinforces this by explicitly defining the 'government of Delhi' as the Lieutenant Governor.