Date:14/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/14/stories/2005121411860500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

SC/ST Commission chairman, members' age limit fixed at 65

Special Correspondent

Opposition parties criticise the move

HYDERABAD: The State Assembly passed a bill on Tuesday evening fixing the maximum age limit of 65 for the chairman and members of the Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes amidst strong criticism by the Opposition.

Telugu Desam saw political motive behind the move and suggested that the age limit could be implemented after the completion of the tenure of the present chairman and the members.

Moving the bill, Social Welfare Minister D.S. Redya Naik asserted that the Government wanted to ensure efficient functioning of the Commission and hence, decided to fix the maximum age limit. This was not a new feature as there was age ceiling for several bodies like the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission and Human Rights Commission as well as for the judges of the High Courts and Supreme Courts, he said.

Refutes charge

He refuted the Opposition charge that the Government's move was aimed at removing Justice K. Punnaiah from the chairmanship and that it had ignored his significant recommendations leading to the issuance of more than 100 Government Orders. The Minister said that the issue should not be seen from the perspective of an individual.

TDP member Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu criticised the Government saying it was only intended to remove the present chairman, as he happened to be the father of TDP leader K. Pratibha Bharati.

CPI (M) floor leader Nomula Narsimhaiah wanted the Government not to send wrong signals to the people with such moves. The CPI, TRS and the BJP also opposed the Government's move.