The Hindu : National : Objections to Renuka's intervention

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Saturday, Dec 10, 2005

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Objections to Renuka's intervention

Special Correspondent

Can Minister offer suggestion as the Bill was introduced after Cabinet clearance?

NEW DELHI: Attempts by Minister of State for Tourism Renuka Chowdhury to offer a suggestion on the Disaster Management Bill 2005 in the Lok Sabha on Friday led to a mini debate on the collective responsibility of the Cabinet.

Ms. Chowdhury, whom Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal permitted to intervene, encountered objections from the ruling coalition benches and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who appeared concerned over her move. Mr. Patil had moved the Bill for the consideration of the House.

Experience with Election Commission

The Tourism Minister narrated how the Election Commission, citing the model code of conduct, objected to her handing over relief material during floods in her constituency.

"I just wanted to share an experience with all of you as an elected representative. When we are in a disaster situation, the Election Commission also has to be notified. That is my request ... we are not untouchables by becoming MPs. We are not removed from society. If we could evacuate persons and help them, we should be allowed to do that ... "

Mohan Singh (Samajwadi Party), Devendra Prasad Yadav (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and Varakala Radhakrishnan (CPI-M) objected to her intervention. Mr. Mohan Singh sought to know whether a Minister could offer a suggestion as the Bill was introduced after the Cabinet cleared it.

Mr. Atwal said Ms. Chowdhury was speaking with his permission and that she was not moving any amendment.

Ms. Chowdhury said she supported the Bill. Later, she was seen talking to Mr. Patil before leaving the House.

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