Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party
on Sunday sought "disqualification" of the Omar Abdullah-led
cabinet for allegedly violating constitutional mandate by
inducting more members at the ministerial rank than the
permitted level.
Pointing towards nomination of advisors and chairpersons
to various boards with ministerial status granted to them,
JKPP chairman Bhim Singh said only 20 per cent of the members
of the state Assembly can be given ministerial portfolios.
He said the rules applicable in JK were different from
those in other states where only 15 per cent MLAs can be given
ministerial portfolios.
"The number was increased in JK by an amendment during
Ghulam Nabi Azad`s tenure to 20 per cent of the total House
strength, which makes up 24 ministers. This government already
has 22 ministers, so they can add up two more but they have
included eight people with ministerial powers," he said.
"What the government could not do directly, they did it
indirectly. This is a violation of the mandate of the
constitution, and the government which violates Constitution,
it is considered to be disqualified," Singh said.
The State Accountability Commission (SAC) last week had
issued notice to the Chief Minister and other government
boards, asking them to explain under what rules they had
conferred ministerial status to various politicians who were
drawing salaries and perks of ministers though not legally
entitled to it.
The SAC had directed them to appear in person or through
authorised representatives for filing their replies before it
on March 5.
PTI
