Bill to freeze LS seats to be introduced

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG. 16. The Constitutional Amendment Bill to freeze the total number of Lok Sabha seats as well as the number in each State is expected to be introduced and adopted by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, August 21. If the Cabinet gives the green signal to an increase in salaries and allowances of MPs, that matter will also be taken up next week, it was agreed at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the House today.

The Lok Sabha seats are to be frozen till the year 2026 and there seems to be unanimity among all political parties on the need for this legislation which requires the support of two-thirds of those present and voting and a simple majority of the full strength of the House. Some other routine Government legislation is to be taken up the day before.

At one point the Speaker is understood to have suggested that beginning today the House will sit on every working day (for the rest of the session) till 8 p.m. to make up for time lost as a result of disruptions. This was agreed.

There was agreement on taking up two issues for discussion next week: the controversy over limited mobility technology for telephones (WILL) on August 22 and disinvestment the next day. Although the Lok Pal Bill may also be taken up sometime next week for discussion and passing, the chances are that it would go to the Standing Committee for Home Affairs or a joint select committee as differences of opinion among political parties remain. In fact, a senior Minister today pointed out that even within the National Democratic Alliance there are two views on bringing the Prime Minister within the purview of the Bill.

Another area of concern among some political parties is the scope of the Bill which proposes to bring under it all MPs. Some parties feel only Ministers should be brought under it.

The Government also proposed to take up general supplementary demands for grants next week. Mr. Madhavrao Scindia, deputy leader of the Congress, wanted enough time to be allotted for this to enable the Opposition to raise the issue of slowdown of the economy, for which there may not be time this session for a separate discussion. There was agreement on this.

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Section  : National
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