Bill seeks abolition of Jammu and Kashmir's Legislative Council; defeated

Jammu, Mar 1 : A Private Members' Bill, seeking abolition of the Upper House of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature, was today defeated in the Legislative Assembly.

A member of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP), Harsh Dev Singh, brought out the Bill to abolish institution of the Legislative Council terming it as a ''white elephant'' being maintained by ''a funds starved'' state.

He further asserted that the Legislative Council have become a rehabilitation center for politicians defeated in elections.

''Those who are rejected by people, are rewarded by you,'' Mr Singh said, while the Bill ''The Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir (Amendment Bill, 2009)'' in the Assembly seeking omission of all references of the Legislative Council in the Constitution of the state.

However, the Government turned down his plea stating the Upper House as ''beauty'' of democracy.

''The proposed amendment seeks abolition of Upper House of state legislature. The Legislative Council, it is widely felt, has lost its relevance in the state and has proved to be white elephant.

''It has outlived its utility and over the years has proved to be a major drain on the scarce resources of the state,'' the Bill said.

Defending the Bill, Mr Singh said ''Over Rs 100 crore is spent annually for the sustenance of the the institution of Upper House.

This amount could better be utilized for more productive purpose, including creation of employment avenues for educated unemployed youths of the state.'' While defending the existence of Upper House, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar said: ''Council is not a rehabilitation center as it represents veteran persons of various walks of life.'' ''It is a pillar of true democracy and the state will continue with the system," he said.

The Bill, later pressed for voting by the JKNPP member, was defeated in a voice vote.

Source: New Kerala.
Link: http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-61618.html.