Himachal Pradesh Passes Bill to Revoke Pensions of Defected MLAs
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu’s Announcement
On September 4, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed a bill to revoke the pensions and allowances of MLAs disqualified under the anti-defection law. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu stated that the bill was essential to strengthen democracy and curb corrupt practices.
Details of the Bill
The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pensions) Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The bill was passed by a voice vote despite strong opposition, who claimed it was politically motivated.
CM Sukhu explained, “The MLAs who have been disqualified by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly will be excluded from pensions and allowances. It will be a significant lesson for those who betray their party for political gain and switch allegiances. They will think a hundred times before changing the party.”
Impact on Disqualified MLAs
This amendment affects six Congress MLAs disqualified on February 28 for violating the party whip. The disqualified MLAs are Rajendra Rana from Sujanpur, Sudhir Sharma from Dharamshala, Indradutt Lakhanpal from Barsar, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul Spiti, Devendra Kumar Bhutto from Kutlehad, and Chaitanya Sharma from Gagret. The bill will have a particularly profound impact on first-time MLAs Devendra Bhutto and Chaitanya Sharma. The other four disqualified MLAs have previously held office, and two have since regained their seats as BJP candidates.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes.
Bill -: A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law that is presented for debate before being approved or rejected.
Revoke -: To revoke means to take back or cancel something, like a law or a privilege.
Pensions -: Pensions are regular payments made to people after they retire from their jobs, usually to help them live comfortably.
Defected MLAs -: Defected MLAs are Members of the Legislative Assembly who have switched from one political party to another, often for personal or political gain.
CM Sukhvinder Sukhu -: CM Sukhvinder Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, which means he is the head of the state government.
Strengthen democracy -: Strengthening democracy means making the system of government where people vote for their leaders stronger and fairer.
Voice vote -: A voice vote is a method of voting where people say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ out loud, and the louder side wins.
Congress MLAs -: Congress MLAs are members of the Indian National Congress party who have been elected to the Legislative Assembly.
Party whip -: A party whip is an official in a political party whose job is to ensure that party members vote according to the party’s policies.