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Introduction
In a recent all party meeting held on the eve of the five day special parliamentary session. In this meeting the government has notably left out a contentious regarding the Election Officer Appointment Bill from the list of eight bills presented to the opposition. This decision has sparked controversy and discussions both within and outside the political spectrum.
The Controversial Bill
The bill in question officially titled the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill. It has been met with strong opposition due to several controversial provisions.
Stripping Judicial Status
One of the contentious aspects of the bill is its proposal to strip the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners of their status as Supreme Court judges. This decision has been received with fierce resistance. As it could potentially impact the impartiality and independence of the election commission.
Equalization of Pay and Benefits
The bill also suggests that the salary, allowance and service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners will be aligned with those of the Cabinet Secretary. This proposition has drawn criticism from the opposition arguing that it could compromise the autonomy of the election commission.
Change in Appointment Panel of Election Officer Appointment Bill
Furthermore, the bill seeks to replace the Chief Justice of India on the panel responsible for advising the President on election commissioner appointments with a Cabinet member nominated by the Prime Minister. This alteration contradicts a Supreme Court judgment from March. Which called for a panel comprising the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. Opposition parties argue that this change may influence the fairness of elections and have raised concerns about its implications.
Opposition’s Response on Election Officer Appointment Bill
Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party led by Arvind Kejriwal, have strongly criticized the PM Narendra Modi for not adhering to the Supreme Court’s order. And also he said, “very dangerous situation”. They see the bill as a possible danger to the integrity of the electoral process and democracy.
Government’s Silence
Pralhad Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister refrained from addressing the bill during a media briefing after the all party meeting. When pressed asked about whether the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners bill would be discussed and passed. Joshi provided an evasive response, stating, “What I have to say, I have said.”
Calls for Women’s Reservation Bill
During the all party meeting, several political parties, including those from the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, fervently advocated for the passage of the women’s reservation bill during the upcoming five day parliamentary session.
Special Discussion on Parliament’s 75-Year Journey
In addition to legislative matters, a special discussion on Parliament’s 75-year journey, starting from the Samvidhan Sabha, is scheduled for today. This discussion will highlight the historical significance of this democratic institution.
The omission of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners bill from the all-party meeting agenda has sparked intense debate and speculation. Setting the stage for potentially contentious discussions in the upcoming parliamentary session.
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