Voice vote okays Parliamentary Secretary Bill
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 13 2012:
The Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (Appointment, Salary and Allowance and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2012 was passed in the State Assembly today by voice vote.
As the Bill was tabled in the House for due discussion and approval, four Opposition Members led by Dr I Ibohalbi raised strong objections and they staged a walk-out.
Soon after Chief Minister O Ibobi tabled the Bill, Trinamool Congress Member Dr Ibohalbi questioned the very purpose of the Bill.
He questioned if the Bill was prepared to enhance efficiency of the Government or it was aimed at mollifying Congress MLAs who could not be accommodated in the State Cabinet.
He also asked if there are any internal conflict or strife within Congress party.
Ibohalbi pointed out that the Bill did not mention the number of Parliamentary Secretaries required in the State who would be accorded the status of Ministers of State.
Questioning as to why the Government needed the Bill so much, Ibohalbi asked whether the Congress exclusive Government would collapse without this Bill.
Appointed Parliamentary Secretaries would only diminish efficiency and integrity of the Government, he asserted.
Responding to the debate, Chief Minister O Ibobi maintained that appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries does not infringe upon any section of the Indian Constitution nor there is any problem within the Government.
There is no case of jealousy or race for post and leadership within the Congress family, Ibobi claimed.
Maintaining that the Bill was being tabled in the House so that Parliamentary Secretaries can be appointed when the need arises, Ibobi stated the Bill a was being tabled for a thorough discussion with all Members of the House.
No one came forward to accept the post of Parliamentary Secretary during the last two terms.
The Bill was being tabled to enable Parliamentary Secretaries assist the Chief Minister and Ministers so as to enhance efficiency of the Government, Ibobi stated.
Stating that the Parliamentary Secretaries would hold the rank of Ministers of State, Ibobi maintained Parliamentary Secretaries would be appointed based on requirements of their service.
After listening to the Chief Minister, Dr Ibohalbi suggested that the Bill be referred to the Select Committee after removing the words 'Minister of State' as there was already a regulation which restricted the State's ministry size to just 12 Ministers.
But Ibobi maintained that there was no need to refer the Bill to the Select Committee and he insisted that the Bill must be passed even if some Members were not happy.
At this, Dr Ibohalbi and some other MLAs walked out of the House.
The Bill was later passed in the House by voice vote.
Comment
