Cong motion on Goa Guv's role admitted in RS: Kurien

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's substantive motion on the conduct of Goa Governor has been admitted but there are certain procedural formalities which have to be completed before a discussion could happen, Rajya Sabha was informed today. When the House met for the day, Singh sought to know about the decision on his notice, which was given following a direction from the Chair after his notice, under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to discuss the Governor's conduct in not inviting the single largest party in Goa to form the government, was rejected.

"Yes, you have given notice... that has been admitted. But there are some more procedural formalities which are to be fulfilled," Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said, adding that the decision on it will be conveyed "as early as possible". The decision may relate to under what rules a discussion will be allowed and who would reply to such a debate. Alleging "gross violation of constitutional propriety", Singh said the issue is important and urgency needs to be shown.

Jairam Ramesh (Cong) wanted to know when a discussion on the Aadhaar issue has been scheduled as the matter has been listed. "When are you going to have the discussion," he asked. The discussion, he said, was originally scheduled for today and listed in business of the day but was postponed as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was not likely to be present in the House.

But since Jaitley is present in the House today the discussion should be scheduled, he said, adding the government has widened the services for which biometric identifier Aadhaar is now mandatory, including for filing income tax return and applying for PAN. Kurien said the date cannot be announced from the Chair as the Minister's convenience and availability has to be taken into account. "Date will be decided after consulting minister," he said. "The Minister has to be there to reply."

Satyavrat Chaturvedi (Cong) alleged that the government was running away from debate on important issues. "We have not refused any discussion. It is only question of deciding a date," Kurien said. "There will be discussion." Ramesh asked why Jaitley, who was present in the House, cannot now give a timeframe for the discussion. "It is for the (Rajya Sabha) Chairman to decide. Minister alone cannot decide to particular discussion. It is scheduled, we will come back to you with the date," Kurien said.