RS may discuss vacancies in statutory panels tomorrow

The Rajya Sabha may tomorrow discuss non-filling up of vacancies in statutory commissions for SCs, STs, Backward Classes and Minorities and the delay in the process.
For the third day in a row, the issue figured when the House met for the day with opposition SP and BSP members raising the issue.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the notices under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to discuss the issue have been rejected and the opposition can give notice for a short- duration discussion, which will be considered.
Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said such a notice will be given provided the Chair agrees for a discussion tomorrow.

Kurien at first said a proper notice should be given which will be considered by the Chair, but when Yadav persisted that the Chair should give an assurance that the notice will be accepted and discussion held tomorrow, the Deputy Chairman said, "OK."
Opposition members resumed their places after this and listed business was taken up.

Earlier, Kurien said 267 notices on the issue are rejected. "You can give another notice for short duration discussion. That can be examined. That can be considered. No problem. But not 267."
When the House met, SP, BSP and Congress members were up on their feet raising the issue of vacant posts in the commissions.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government was ready to reply to any discussion on the issue, adding that the vacancies could not be filled up because of the model code of conduct for assembly elections coming into force.
Mayawati (BSP) said the government must answer why constitutional commissions were being made "ineffective".
Digvijaya Singh (Cong) sought to know the fate of his substantive motion seeking discussion on the conduct of Goa Governor in not inviting the single largest party, Congress, to form government in the state after assembly elections.
"Your notice is there. Chairman has admitted it. It is for the government, Leader of the House to give time for discussion. We are waiting for that time and date," Kurien said.

Singh said how long should he wait for the government to decide.
"Government has to give time. I have made my position clear," Kurien said.