Sikkim seeks to extend anti-defection law

GANGTOK, 25 APRIL: An amendment bill concerning the anti-defection law was introduced in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly today. It has proposed to bring members of the municipalities under its purview.

The state Urban Development Minister, Mr D B Thapa, moved the bill in the Assembly. It has proposed an amendment in the Section 18 of the Sikkim Municipalities Act, 2007.

Mr Thapa in his statement of objects and reasons said insertion of Section 18 A has sought to provide a comprehensive provision in the Act for disqualification and removal of members of the urban local bodies on the ground of defection.

According to the legislation, any member of the urban local bodies representing a political party will cease to the member of the urban bodies if he ceases to be the member of the political party concerned.

The amendment bill also provides for disqualification of a municipality member if he/she remains absent for three consecutive meetings of the urban body on leave.

Any member, if removed, however may appeal to the Secretary, Urban Development Department whose order would be treated as final.

Other three bills introduced in the House today are: the Sikkim Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2013 introduced by Minister for the Cooperatives, R B Subba, Sikkim Siddhesvara Dham (Amendment) Bill and Sikkim Places of Pilgrimage Management Bill tabled by Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel. Discussions and voting on the Bills will take place on Friday and Saturday.

During the Financial Business of the Assembly Budget Session, Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling who is also the finance minister

presented annual plan outlay of Rs 2,060 crore with a deficit of Rs 3 lakh during financial year 2013-14.

The rebel SDF legislator, Mr Prem Singh Golay, arrived well before the Assembly

session began. With presentations of the budget, bills and address by the Governor on the first day, he, however, remained a silent observer. He left minutes before the day’s proceedings ended.

statesman news service