Bills on eradication of Devdasi practice, Bombay Stamp duty paised

Mumbai, Apr 13 (UNI) Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today passed two important bills on eradication of the practice of Devdasi system and Bombay stamp duty (amendment) amid uproar scenes as the Shiv Sena continued to target Revenue Minister Narayan Rane.

Shiv Sena members demanded Mr Rane's resignation and a CBI probe into the decision to allow M/S Mukand Ltd to sell off its land in Chembur-Kurla area of Mumbai at a mere sum of Rs 222 crore and not recovering half the amount for the State treasury. They shouted slogans against Mr Rane even as their ally, the BJP continued with discussions on important bills.

Eknath Khadse, Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP) and Wamanrao Chatap (Swatantra Bharat Paksha) spoke regarding important amendments to the Maharashtra Agriculture Produce Marketing bill on development and regulation of APMC markets for the benefits of the farmers. The debate was discontinued due to the noisy scenes by Sena members.

Opposition members barring the Sena said they were opposed to the attempts of the Government to pass the bill in hurry by taking advantage of the noisy scenes.

BJP leader Gopinath Munde said provisions in the bill,like contract farming , had long term repercussions on farmers and farming. Eknath Khadse (BJP) said the bill should be sent to the joint select committee of both the houses for scrutiny.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Patil who also holds the Marketing portfolio said the bill would be again taken up for discussion and passing on April 17 so that members can suggest changes.

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