Himachal Pradesh Introduces Bill to Halt Pensions for Disqualified MLAs

A new bill has been introduced in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly aimed at stopping pensions for members disqualified under the anti-defection law. The amendment, spearheaded by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to dissuade defections and preserve democratic values. The proposal follows the disqualification of six Congress MLAs earlier this year.

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday saw the introduction of a significant new bill designed to halt pensions for members disqualified under the anti-defection law. The bill, titled 'The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill 2024,' was presented by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

According to the proposed amendment, any individual disqualified at any point under the Constitution's tenth schedule (anti-defection law) will no longer be entitled to a pension. This proposal comes in the wake of six Congress MLAs being disqualified for defying a party whip and supporting a BJP nominee in Rajya Sabha elections.

The bill's statement of object and reasons stresses the necessity of the amendment to prevent members from defecting, uphold democratic values, and protect the people's mandate, noting the absence of such provisions in the 1971 Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)