President Droupadi Murmu delegates powers to LGs, Administrators to bring reforms in dental education under National Dental Commission Act

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 23 (STC): President Droupadi Murmu has delegated powers to the Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of all Union Territories to exercise the powers of the State Government and perform the related functions under the National Dental Commission Act, 2023 in their respective areas.
According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, under clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution, these powers have been given to the Administrators of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Ladakh and Lakshadweep.
The notification states that under the control of the President and until further orders, the Lieutenant Governors or Administrators of the said territories shall be authorized to exercise the powers and perform the functions of the State Government under sections 29, 48 and 56 of the National Dental Commission Act, 2023. National Dental Commission Act, 2023 has been enacted with the objective of regulating the dental profession in the country, providing quality and affordable dental education and ensuring access to high-quality oral and dental health care facilities to the public.
The Act received the assent of the President on August 11, 2023 and came into force on February 29, 2024. The Act establishes the National Dental Commission, which replaced the Dental Council of India. The Act aims to bring reforms in the dental education and dentistry sector in the country and make them in line with global standards.
The salient features of the Act include the establishment of the National Dental Commission and State Dental Councils, the formation of three autonomous boards, a transparent and merit-based selection process, an online National Register and the establishment of a Dental Advisory Council.
In addition, the commission has also been empowered to formulate guidelines for determining the fees for 50% of the seats in private dental colleges and deemed universities.
According to the government, the aim of these reforms is to promote transparency, accountability and professional standards in dental education, make dental treatment more affordable for the public and improve global employment opportunities for Indian dental professionals.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from Agencies)