UP assembly may meet again to pass UPCOCA, four other bills

Lucknow, Nov 26 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh legislature is likely to meet in the first week of December for a brief period to pass five bills, including the Uttar Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Act (UPCOCA) in the wake of the serial blasts which left 17 people dead and scores others injured in the state.

The UPCOCA has been designed on the lines of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, giving additional powers to the state to curb organised crime.

While introducing the Bill on October 31, Chief Minister Mayawati had said the proposed legislation would primarily deal with contract killers, kidnappers, gun-totting contractors, hawala traders, enemies of economic structure, fake drug traffickers and liquor mafiosi.

It was passed on November 5 by a voice vote. However, in the Legislative Council where the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is in minority, the Bill could not be passed due to the strong opposition from the Samajwadi Party. The Bill was sent to the Legislative Council's select committee for consideration on November 6. The select committee was to submit its recommendations within one month.

As per rule, the Bill will again be tabled in the Assembly and passed. After that, it will be sent to the Governor for approval.

The select committee, which till date has held two meetings, has not yet taken any decision on the Bill. The committee plans to meet on November 28 to decide UPCOCA's fate.

The other bills which are likely to be passed in the Assembly are UP Panchayati Raj Amendment Bill, UP Bhim Rao Ambedkar Parivartan Sthal Bill, UP Public Services (SC/ST/OBC) Reservation Bill and UP Co-operative Societies third Amendment Bill, sources said here today.

Though the house was adjourned sine die on November 6, the Governor was yet to prorogue the proceedings. Therefore, using his powers, the Speaker can reconvene the House.

UNI