Shimla: Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal lashed out at opposition congress for resorting to a padyatra while nationwide the party was in the dock over not enacting a strong Lokpal bill to combat corruption.
He termed the three day padyatra that started from Solan on Monday as a failed one for it had failed to evoke any response.
“There are very few participants in the padyatra and going by the number plates of vehicles deployed during the protest march, it is clear that people from outside have been brought over for the demonstration,†he said.
To highlight the alleged corruption on benami land deals, congress workers are undertaking a three day 45 Km protest march (Padyatra) that started on Monday from Solan and is to culminate in a demonstration outside the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday.
Speaking in the ruling lounge at the Vidhan Sabha, the chief minister said that BJP was of the view that the Prime Minister’s office should be brought under the ambit of Lokpal bill.
After having constituted a draft committee, which included members of civil society for drafting the bill, the one presented in parliament did not have the support of the common man.
He said that after agreeing to setting up of a judicial commission for going into approvals under section 118 for buying land in the state, the opposition was shying away from deposing before it because the party was guilty of having blatantly misused the clause for helping land mafia’s.
Even under Apartments Act, more registrations were done by the previous congress government. A committee of the house was reviewing the apartment act and the government would act upon its report as soon as it is presented, he added.
To fight corruption, the government on Wednesday would introduce a bill in the house which has a provision for confiscating all property acquired through illegal means, he said.
Besides a Right to Service bill would also be introduced, which would have a provision for penal action and fines for delays in rendering specific services to the people.
Defending opening of private universities, Dhumal said that it was the need of the hour so as to provide better opportunities of higher education for the states youth.
Speaking in the ruling lounge at the Vidhan Sabha, the chief minister said that BJP was of the view that the Prime Minister’s office should be brought under the ambit of Lokpal bill.
After having constituted a draft committee, which included members of civil society for drafting the bill, the one presented in parliament did not have the support of the common man.
He said that after agreeing to setting up of a judicial commission for going into approvals under section 118 for buying land in the state, the opposition was shying away from deposing before it because the party was guilty of having blatantly misused the clause for helping land mafia’s.
Even under Apartments Act, more registrations were done by the previous congress government. A committee of the house was reviewing the apartment act and the government would act upon its report as soon as it is presented, he added.
To fight corruption, the government on Wednesday would introduce a bill in the house which has a provision for confiscating all property acquired through illegal means, he said.
Besides a Right to Service bill would also be introduced, which would have a provision for penal action and fines for delays in rendering specific services to the people.
Defending opening of private universities, Dhumal said that it was the need of the hour so as to provide better opportunities of higher education for the states youth.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
