Cong opposes parliamentary secys taking part in Assembly

Shillong, Mar 25 (UNI) The Meghalaya Assembly today saw a heated debate among members on Parliamentary Secretaries participating in the proceedings.

Former speaker Martin M Danggo(Cong) raised the point of order after Parliamentary Secretary M Ampareen Lyngdoh stood up to participate in the discussion on the cut motion related to Health and Family Welfare department.

According to Mr Danggo, a Parliamentary Secretary could not take part in the discussion but only answer questions in the absence of a minister whom he or she is assisting.

Leaders of Opposition DD Lapang, Charles Pyngrope, AT Mondal and Prestone Tynsong supported Mr Danggo and said as per provisions of the conduct of the business of the House, Parliamentary Secretaries were equivalent to a minister of state or deputy minister, and therefore, could not participate in the discussion.

However, NCP legislator, Purno A Sangma said Parliamentray Secretaries were equally responsible in the House.

''Where is the rule that bars Parliamentary Secretaries from participating in the discussions,'' the former Lok Sabha Speaker asked.

Supporting Mr Sangma, NCP legislator Adolf Lu Hitler R Marak pleaded Speaker Bindo M Lanong to allow Parliamentary Secretaries to participate in the discussion.

Terming the issue as not very serious, Mr Lanong convened a meeting with Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy, Leader of Opposition DD Lapang, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Purno A Sangma and former Assembly Speaker Martin M Danggo to decide the matter.

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