Lok Sabha Debates
Deferrement Of The Sixth Schedule To The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2007 And ... on 4 December, 2007
> Title: Deferrement of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2007 and the Constitution (One Hundred and Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2007 (Amendment of Articles 244 and 332). The Speaker observed that the consideration of the Bills was being deferred in view of reconsideration on the part of the Government.
MR. SPEAKER: Now, the House will take Item Nos. 24 and 25. Yes, the hon. Minister.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN (CHIRAYINKIL): How could it be taken up now? … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Radhakrishnan, what are you doing? Can you stand up any time without my permission? No, please take your seat. No, I would not allow. I just complimented you for your fairness.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : Sir, for the normal business, it is quite right. But for a Constitution (Amendment) Bill, at least there must be some Members present in the House. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAEKR: Shri Radhakrishnan, you need not bother about that. The hon. Minister will bother about it. Why are you having such headache?
… (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL): Sir, I had requested that these two Bills should be taken up in the House and they should be passed. But there are some hon. Members and political parties suggesting that these Bills should be referred to the Standing Committee or to the Joint Select Committee. In fact, the hurry in passing the Bill was because of the fear that if there are delays, they may lead to deteriorating situation in that sensitive area. That is why, we have suggested for these Bills to be taken up. It would be good if the Bills of these natures are better passed by all the Members together, agreeing to each other’s views. That is why I shall have no objection if the Bills are referred to the Standing Committee or the Joint Select Committee.
MR. SPEAKER: Since there is reconsideration on the part of the Government about this matter, I do not stand in the way. Therefore, the consideration of the Bills is being deferred.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI GURUDAS DASGUPTA (PANSKURA): Sir, may I suggest one thing? Sir, with all humility I suggest to you that this particular Bill, because of its sensitive nature and urgency of being passed, be referred to a Joint Committee. … (Interruptions)
PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA (SOUTH DELHI): Sir, there is a system. It goes to the Standing Committee.
MR. SPEAKER: I do not know why suddenly all these advices are coming to the Speaker. It is not necessary at all. I do not want all these things.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Then the consideration of the Bill is deferred. We shall see when it comes before the House.
SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL: Sir, the only submission I would like to make is that whether it is sent to one Committee or the other, the report should be given within one month’s time. That would be the maximum so that we can take it up in the next Session and we can pass these Bills. … (Interruptions)
PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA : It should come on the first day of the next Session. … (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI): Why are you arguing on it now? … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: That is what I am saying. It is quite unnecessary.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I am really thankful to you all for your kind suggestions.
SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL: Sir, we would rather leave it to your judgment.
SHRI SANSUMA KHUNGGUR BWISWMUTHIARY (KOKRAJHAR): Sir, the Sixth Schedule provision is meant only for the Scheduled Tribes of Assam. Is it not an abortive attempt on the part of the Government to dilute the veracity and importance of the provision by going to apply in other parts of the country apart from Assam? … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: So, this Bill is being deferred now. You can make your submissions later on.[a24] SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI: Sir, I would like to place on record that I stand by what the hon. Home Minister has stated.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I shall pass my orders appropriately.
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI: As the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, I would like to place it on record that this House was required to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill in terms of the constitutional provision - by a majority of the total membership of the House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the Members present and voting. The UPA Government and its supporting friends, parties and allies were ready for this thing today. However, we stand by the wish and proposal of the hon. Home Minister.
MR. SPEAKER: The House stands adjourned to meet again at 2 p.m. 12.55 hrs. The Lok Sabha then adjourned for Lunch till Fourteen of the Clock.[R25] 14.04 hrs. The Lok Sabha re-assembled after Lunch at four minutes past Fourteen of the Clock.
(Mr. Deputy Speaker in the Chair) MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Item 23. Matters under Rule 377.
SHRI GURUDAS DASGUPTA (PANSKURA): May I submit with your permission, Sir, yesterday there was no critical discussion. If you permit the matter to be discussed and the hon. Minister makes a reply, then the whole subject can come to an end.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: We will take that Item after this. Shri Nikhil Kumar –not present.[MSOffice26]