Cong finding ways to adjust left-out MLAs

Ruchika M Khanna & Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 23

As the Congress government steps up its efforts to appoint the "disgruntled" MLAs as chairpersons of various boards and corporations, the exercise could take a while. The government is examining the provisions in The Punjab Legislature (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1952, that prohibits the elected representatives from holding an office of profit.

Official sources told The Tribune that the MLAs, many of whom were aspirants for a ministerial berth, had been told to have patience. Though the "chairmanship" carrot has been kept dangling in front of them, the government is examining whether these appointments meet all legal requirements.

The Punjab Legislature (Prevention of Disqualification) Act has exempted MLAs from disqualification in case they are appointed as members of any statutory bodies.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar and Punjab affairs incharge Asha Kumari and Harsh Chaudhary.

Jakhar said: "Certain boards and corporations do not attract provisions of the office of profit. We are legally examining the matter." When asked about the names of legislators identified for the job, he refused to divulge details. "It is the prerogative of the CM," he said.

Sources said posts of chairman of Punjab Forest Corporation, SC Development Board, Punjab Warehousing Corporation and some others do not come under the purview of office of profit.

Dalit and OBC leaders are likely to be given priority.

It was also discussed to adjust another 15 legislators as legislative secretaries.

Of the 62-odd boards and corporations in the state, only a handful of these bodies can have MLAs as chairmen. The government is thus mulling establishing new councils/bodies. For example, a council of sports is being proposed to "adjust" Jalandhar MLA Pargat Singh. Such bodies, too, will have to be notified as not being offices of profit. Once appointed, the leaders cannot be paid any salaries, but can claim travelling/daily allowances.

Sources say weightage will be given to the Majhibi Sikhs/Balmikis, who have reservation equivalent to Ravidassiyas in Punjab (both have 12.5 per cent reservation).