President Delegates Powers Under National Dental Commission Act to J&K LG, Other UT Administrators

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the decision through an official notification issued under Article 239(1) of the Constitution.

The order covers the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Ladakh and Lakshadweep.

Under the notification, the respective Lieutenant Governors or administrators will exercise powers and discharge state government functions under Sections 29, 48 and 56 of the National Dental Commission Act, 2023, subject to the President’s control and until further orders.

Framework for dental education and regulation

The National Dental Commission Act, 2023, provides a regulatory framework for the dentistry profession in India, with the stated objectives of improving the quality and affordability of dental education and expanding access to high-quality oral healthcare.

The legislation established the National Dental Commission (NDC), replacing the Dental Council of India (DCI), and repealed the Dentists Act, 1948.

The Act seeks to reform dental education and professional regulation by strengthening transparency, accountability and standards in the sector.

Its provisions include the establishment of State Dental Councils and three autonomous boards, along with a framework for the appointment and tenure of the commission’s chairperson, members and secretary. It also provides for an online National Register, a Dental Advisory Council, merit-based selection and greater scope for technological innovation and industry collaboration.

Coordination with other healthcare regulators

The legislation also provides for joint meetings with relevant statutory bodies, including the National Medical Commission, Pharmacy Council of India, Indian Nursing Council, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, National Commission for Homeopathy and National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.

Another key provision empowers the commission to frame guidelines for determining fees for 50 per cent of seats in private dental colleges and deemed universities.

The framework is intended to promote greater transparency in dental education and strengthen professional standards while protecting the interests of patients and students.

The Act also aims to improve access to affordable oral healthcare and enhance the global employability of Indian dental professionals.

The latest notification delegates specified regulatory functions to Union Territory administrations, including the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, under the statutory framework established by the 2023 legislation.