Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 03:
The State Assembly today unanimously decided to pave the way for the formation of Legislative Council under Article 169 of the Constitution of India.
This decision was passed following a private member resolution bill introduced by the MPP during the session held today.
To implement the decision, it was also decided to send representatives to Delhi and present the decision of the State Assembly to the Prime Minister and others concerned.
Moving a private member resolution to set up a Legislative Council in the State, MPP MLA O Joy recalled that on September 14, 1987, the then Chief Minister late RK Jaichandra introduced a resolution to set up a Legislative Council in Manipur it was passed.
Then again on June 24, 2005, when TN Haokip was the Speaker, the same matter was introduced in the House and passed, added Joy.
Explaining his stand, the MPP veteran said that considering the constraints faced by the Government on many fronts, it is necessary that a Legislative Council be set up in the State.
The Constitution has given the right to set up the Council to the State Assemblies and if it comes up in Manipur, it would be a 40 member strong Council.
Joy said that the Council will be an asset to the State as it will give room to many eminent personalities of the State, who cannot make it to the Assembly but can contribute for the welfare of the people.
Such personalities may include experts in their respective fields.
Community leaders, social activists may make their way to the Council, observed O Joy.
Inclusion of renowned personalities will not only strengthen democracy but also add a new facet to it, said Joy and urged for a unanimous resolution to this effect.
Supporting the private member resolution bill, MPP MLAs, Dr Ng Bijoy, Dr I Ibohalbi and RK Anand said that the Council will give room to people of different communities to come and share their ideas and opinions.
They also backed the opinion of Joy that such a Council is necessary in the present political and social realities of the State.
Expressing his support to the proposal to set up the Council, Law and Legislative Affairs Minister Th Debendra said that given the situation in Manipur, it is necessary to tap the ideas and opinions of experts and renowned people in the State.
Since there are many sections of people, who do not have adequate representatives in the State Assembly, the proposed Council can fill up this void, opined Debendra and added that this is also the wish of the Government.
Though the resolution to set up the Council has been passed by the State Assembly thrice, it has never been honoured by the Centre.
As such today's session decided that representatives will be sent to Delhi to urge them to respect the resolutions of the State Assembly.