Congress demands immediate abolishment of all Parliamentary Secretary posts

By Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 25

Manipur Pradesh Congress Party (MPCC) today asked five parliamentary secretaries of the state to step down from their posts terming it as unconstitutional according to Article 192 of Indian Constitution.

President of the party, T.N. Haokip, addressing media persons at the Congress Bhavan said that the appointment of 12 parliamentary secretaries is unconstitutional and amounts to holding ‘office of profit’.

“Though eight have left their posts, five are yet to step down and we want them to vacate the posts,” he said.

A representation was given to the Governor of the state, Najma Heptullah today at 12:30 pm urging her interference in the case, he said.

The Supreme Court had clearly given a judgment on July 26 that parliamentary secretaries are unconstitutional, terming the post as ‘office-of-profit’, Haokip pointed out.

Accordingly on August 30, seven parliamentary secretaries from Mizoram resigned from their posts and stopped enjoying the benefits of the office, he added.

The controversy of parliamentary secretaries has been surfacing since 2004 when Sonia Gandhi had to resigned from her post of chairman of National Advisory Council then applied a fresh mandate for her post as parliamentary secretary.

In 2014, Jaya Bachchan was also disqualified from her position as Rajya Sabha MP for simultaneously holding the post of chairperson of Uttar Pradesh Film Corporation.

He asked whether the 12 parliamentary secretaries of the state will remain as it is or be given the same verdict as was given to Jaya Bachchan and Sonia Gandhi under Article 192.

He questioned the power of the Governor in this matter that a Governor is mandated to ensure the spirit of the Indian Constitution is kept in letter and spirit. He urged the Governor to immediately take appropriate actions on this matter.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh had elected 12 parliamentarians namely Sapam Ranjan, Kongkham Robindro Singh, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Heikham Dingo Singh, Ashab Uddin among others. 

Parliamentary secretaries are allotted and attached to the concerned ministers to assist them in discharge of their duties and responsibilities. They receive financial benefit such as pay and allowances and the status of a minister of state under the Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (appointment, salary and allowance and the miscellaneous provisions) Act, 2012.

The Congress president also announced that the party will observe one year long observation of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi birth anniversary starting from November 19.

Floral tribute will be paid and those who have adopted the Congress ideology and well-wishers of the party are welcomed to come and take part in the grand event, he said.