Karnataka MLCs want creation of Upper Houses in all states

New Delhi, June 13 (UNI) A delegation of Karnataka MLCs is here to seek the support of the President, Prime Minister, Law Minister and Opposition leaders for creation of the Upper Houses for all the States under Article 79 of the Constitution and repeal Article 169 to end misuse of the powers by the state governments.

The delegation, led by Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman V R Sudarshan, also presented an unanimous resolution passed in the Council on April five that the Council which is set to celebrate its Centenary Celebrations in 2007 had served the people of the state by enhancing quality of legislations and strengthening democratic process in Karnataka and the country.

The presence of Article 169 of the Constitution provided for abolition or creation of bicameral Legislatures. States like West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu had abolished the Upper Houses. Andhra Pradesh now wanted to reverse the decision and the Assembly had passed a resolution seeking creation of Upper House.

Therefore, the Karnataka Council had passed the resolution seeking to prevent the Assemblies to abolish the Upper Houses because of 'narrow political considerations' and deny the people the benefit of wisdom of Upper Houses in making laws. Thus "there is a need to repeal Article 169", the resolution said. The Council wanted creation of Upper Houses under Article 79 like Council of States or the Rajya Sabha to strengthen democratic process at the states level.

The leaders have also made out a case for representation to members of Upper House in the Council of Ministers as a mandatory provision to give representation to atleast five per cent of its members from the upper house. The restriction of 15 per cent of total number of Council members under Article 164 (1A) is likely to result in giving representation only to members of the lower house.

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