JKPP demands Omar Cabinet to disband
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.
JKPP chairman Bhim Singh said only 20 per cent of the state assembly members can be given ministerial portfolios. He pointed out that advisors and chairpersons of various boards had ministerial status.
In J & K the rules for ministerial portfolios is different from other states where 15 per cent MLAs can be ministers.
“The number was increased in J & K 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, and could add two more. But they have included eight people with ministerial powers,” he said.
Singh said it was a violation of the mandate of the constitution, and the government which violates Constitution, is considered to be disqualified,” Singh said.
Accountability notice
The State Accountability Commission (SAC) had issued notices to the Chief Minister and other government boards, asking them to explain under what rules they had conferred the ministerial status to various politicians who were drawing salaries and perks of ministers though not legally entitled to it.
