Punjab Guv seeks clarification on appointment of 6 MLAs

The Punjab government on Wednesday clarified that the Governor had not returned the Punjab State Legislature (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill, 2019.

The Governor had sought from the state certain clarifications in the Bill, relating to conflict of interest in the case of appointment of six MLAs as advisors to the Chief Minister, a government spokesperson told IANS.

The Governor's letter had been forwarded to the Chief Minister's office and the necessary response would be submitted soon, he added.

The Bill was sent to the Governor for his approval after it was passed during the two-day special session of the state Assembly in November.

Governor V.P.S. Badnore has asked for clarifications on certain provisions of the Bill and related matters, said the spokesperson.

The minister and officers concerned had been directed to clarify the issues raised by the Governor so that a suitable response could be shared with the latter at the earliest, to pave the way for inclusion of MLAs in the exempted category covered under conflict of interest provision of the Prevention of Disqualification legislation.

The state government in September appointed four MLAs -- Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon of Faridkot, Singh Raja Warring of Gidderbaha, Sangat Singh Gilzian of Urmur and Inderbir Singh Bolaria of Amritsar (South) -- as advisors (political), while Kuljeet Singh Nagra of Fatehgarh Sahib, was appointed Advisor (Planning) in the Cabinet rank and status.

Tarsem Singh of Attari was designated Advisor (planning) with the rank of a Minister of State.IANS