HP assembly passes CPSs and PSs bill

Dharamsala, Dec 29 (UNI) Decks have been cleared for the appointment of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs) and Parliament Secretaries (PSs) in Himachal Pradesh with the passage of HP Parliamentary Secretaries (Appointment, Salaries, Allowances, Powers, Privileges and Amenities) Bill 2006 by the Assembly today.

Expressing reservation over the bill, BJP legislative party leader Prem Kumar Dhumal said though the Bill would help in preparing young legislators in administration besides giving them greater responsibilities in the future, but the truth was that all ministers were not appointed through proper channel.

He said the 91st Constitutional Amendment would reduce the financial burden of small states like Himachal.

After the passing of the 91st Constitutional amendment, which reduced the number of ministers to 12, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had appointed 12 chief parliamentary secretaries and parliamentary secretaries, which were struck down by the High Court and the matter was now before the Supreme Court. Prof Dhumal advised the Chief Minister to wait for the decision of the apex court.

In his reply, Mr Singh said his government was stable and the intention behind bringing the bill was to encourage the young MLAs to have administrative experience, so that later they could shoulder more responsibilities.

Referring to amendment, the Chief Minister said that though the Parliament was aware about the appointment of parliamentary secretaries in some states, but had not put any limit on their appointment.

He appealed to the BJP not to oppose the bill and let it be passed unanimously.

Later, the Bill was passed by voice vote as there was no objection.

The Vidhan Sabha also passed seven other bills including Freedom of Religion Bill, seeking a ban on religious conversions by coersion or inducement.

Mr Dhumal withdrew his amendment and the bill was passed unanimously after incorporating a minor amendment moved by the Chief Minister.

The House also passed six other bills, including Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, doing away with two child norm for contesting corporation elections, designating all the district and session judges as ''special Judges'' under the H. P. Protection of Interests of Depositors (In Financial Establishments) Bill.

UNI AS JN VD HS1841