Balakrishnan Committee Report (1987)

The Balakrishnan Committee, formally known as the Committee on Reorganisation of Delhi (1987), was established by the Indian government to examine the administrative setup of Delhi and recommend measures for its improvement.

Key Recommendations

The committee, headed by civil servant S. Balakrishnan, submitted its report in 1989. The core recommendations were:

• Delhi to remain a Union Territory: The committee proposed that Delhi should continue to be a Union Territory rather than being granted full statehood.
• Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers: Despite recommending Union Territory status, the committee emphasized the need for a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers to handle matters of local concern.
• Special Status for Delhi: To balance the need for central control and local autonomy, the committee suggested conferring a special status on Delhi through a constitutional amendment.

Significance

The Balakrishnan Committee’s recommendations have been instrumental in shaping the administrative framework of Delhi. While the city has not been granted full statehood, the establishment of the Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers has provided a platform for local governance.

The recent Supreme Court case regarding the special status of Delhi has brought the Balakrishnan Committee report back into focus as it has been referenced in the arguments.