JPC reviews key constitutional bills during Delhi visit

A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wednesday met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat and briefed the Chief Minister on the objectives, key provisions, and proposed changes contained in the three Bills. The visit forms part of the committee’s ongoing consultations and study process before finalising its recommendations on the three Bills currently under examination. The proposed legislation is expected to play a significant role in shaping future governance frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and constitutional processes in the country.

The committee, chaired by Member of Parliament Aparajita Sarangi, is examining the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Union Territories Government (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The JPC also handed over copies of the proposed legislation and related documents to the Chief Minister.

According to the committee, the proposed amendments are aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency in public life, reinforcing constitutional values, and enhancing public confidence in democratic institutions.

The meeting brought together several Members of Parliament from across party lines.

Apart from Chairperson Aparajita Sarangi, those present included Dr K Laxman, Ujjwal Nikam, DK Aruna, Parshottam Rupala, Asaduddin Owaisi, Dr Indra Hang Subba, Anurag Thakur, Brij Lal, Brijmohan Agrawal, and Manan Kumar Mishra. Senior officials from the Lok Sabha Secretariat also attended the discussions.

Welcoming the committee, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of public trust, accountability, and ethical conduct in a democratic system.

She said the strength of Indian democracy depends not only on constitutional provisions but also on maintaining transparency and credibility in governance.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister briefed the committee on Delhi’s administrative structure, its unique constitutional position, and the measures being undertaken by the Delhi Government to improve governance standards. She said the Government is working to build a transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused administrative framework.

The Chief Minister noted that strengthening democratic institutions and public confidence in governance is a shared responsibility.

She said efforts to improve accountability and transparency in public life are essential for ensuring effective governance and maintaining trust between citizens and institutions.

Speaking about the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Chief Minister said the proposal seeks to further strengthen public confidence in individuals holding public office.

She described the proposed amendments under consideration as an important step towards reinforcing constitutional morality, accountability, and transparency in public affairs.

She also said that the suggestions and input received by the committee during its consultations would help strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance systems.

According to her, continuous dialogue, consultation, and reforms are necessary for the healthy growth of democracy.

After the meeting, Sarangi interacted with media and said the committee has held 11 meetings so far and visited nine states and Union Territories, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Punjab. Sarangi said that the stakeholders extended support to the bill and also submitted some written comments and suggestions.

The joint committee was constituted in November 2025 to examine the Bills.