MLAs raise objections on three bills passed

The state assembly on Friday passed six bills through voice vote amid resistance by ruling and opposition MLAs on three.

The bills on which the legislators raised objection were the Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas (amendment) Bill, 2018; The Rajasthan Stamp (Amendment) Bill, 2018; and The Jaipur watersupplyandsewerageboard Bill, 2018. The Lokayukta Amendment bill sought to extend the tenure of Lokayukta from five to eight years, provided that he continues to hold office until his successor is appointed and enters upon his office.

Objecting to the extension of the tenure of Lokayukta, senior BJP MLA Ghanshyam Tiwari said, “I have not seen such an ordinance. It aims to shield the corrupt in top government positions. If they intend to strengthen Lokayukta they should adopt and work on a model in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.”

Countering Tiwari, home minister Gulab Chand Kataria said that the decision to extend the tenure has been taken according to law and in view of remarkable work done by the Lokayukta.

Supporting Tiwari, independent MLA Hanuman Beniwal, too, objected to the bill and said people want a strong Lokayukta. “When PM and President of India have five years tenure, why eight years to Lokayukta,” he said.

Tiwari, MLA from Sanganer assembly seat in Jaipur, also objected to the Jaipur water supply and sewerage board Bill, 2018. He said there are already multiple agencies handling the water issues and there was no need of setting up another body. Another institution other than PHED, municipal corporation and JDA will add to complications.

Reacting to Tiwari’s objection, parliamentary affair minister Rajendra Rathore said the functions related to water supply and sewerage management in Jaipur is presently being carried out by multiple agencies. There is a need to take a cohesive approach to planning, development, implementation and management of activities relating to water supply and sewerage services. HTC

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