Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s Special Privileges Committee on Monday submitted its report for the 2024-25 session, recommending stronger adherence to legislative protocols and stricter accountability for government officials dealing with elected representatives. The report, which reviewed multiple complaints from the legislators, highlighted recurring lapses in administrative responses and proposed reforms to prevent future breaches.

The committee’s inquiry revealed a consistent pattern of government officials failing to respond to MLAs’ calls and queries, delaying official communication, and in some cases, using inappropriate language. These lapses, according to the committee, undermine the authority of the legislature and obstruct public service delivery.

One of the most common issues cited in the report was the reluctance of certain officials to engage with MLAs regarding constituency development matters. In several instances, officials ignored repeated phone calls and messages, forcing legislators to escalate the matter to the committee. While some cases were resolved with apologies, the committee noted that such behaviour reflects poor administrative discipline and needs correction.

Multiple Breaches of Privileges Identified

Among the key cases examined, the committee reviewed a complaint by Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Mehal Kalan Kulwant Singh Pandori against Junior Engineer Gagandeep Singh from the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department in Sangrur. The MLA alleged that despite repeated attempts to contact the official via phone and WhatsApp regarding developmental work in his constituency, no response was received. The committee found that the official had indeed failed to maintain proper communication, leading to an infringement of legislative protocol. However, as he later issued an apology and assured better coordination in the future, the committee recommended dropping the matter without punitive action.

Another high-profile case involved AAP’s Jalalabad MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, who accused IAS officer Amit Kumar, Director of Panchayats, of providing misleading information regarding constituency matters and responding in an inappropriate manner. However, the committee noted that the MLA did not attend hearings regarding his complaint, leading to the case being dismissed due to lack of participation.

In a separate matter, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri flagged a breach of protocol when an unauthorized contractor was present during an Estimates Committee meeting at the Circuit House in Shimla. The presence of a non-member in an official legislative meeting was deemed inappropriate. However, since the responsible officials admitted their oversight and issued an apology, the committee chose not to pursue further action.

Firm Action Against Indiscipline

While several cases were closed after officials sought forgiveness, the committee recommended stricter disciplinary measures in select cases. MLA Kulwant Singh Pandori also raised a complaint against Senior Assistant Baljit Kaur from the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department in SAS Nagar. The MLA alleged that despite multiple calls, she refused to respond, and when she did, she used inappropriate language. The committee deemed this a serious breach of conduct and recommended suspending her from service, alongside barring her from any future public-dealing roles.

Similarly, a complaint against Naib Tehsildar Amarpreet Singh accused him of failing to respond to official calls regarding land-related matters in his jurisdiction. The officer later sought an unconditional apology, which the committee accepted, leading to the case being dropped. 

Committee’s Recommends to Strengthen Governance

The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that elected representatives are treated with due respect and cooperation. It recommended that government departments reissue strict guidelines regarding official conduct when dealing with MLAs and ensure their timely implementation. The committee further stressed that such protocols are necessary for upholding the dignity of the legislative system and maintaining smooth administrative functions. 

It added that any future breaches of legislative privileges should lead to immediate administrative review, with penalties including suspensions, demotions, or removals from public-dealing roles. The panel also recommended setting up a dedicated cell within the Assembly Secretariat to track instances of non-compliance, and ensuring MLAs’ concerns are addressed without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

House Panel Recommends Stricter Revenue Oversight, Transparent Land Transfers, Afforestation Drive

Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, in his capacity as chairman of the Estimates Committee, on Monday tabled a detailed report on the budget estimates of the departments of Forest and Wildlife Protection and Revenue and Rehabilitation. Highlighting the Committee’s extensive review process, Rouri emphasized that budget allocations must be utilized with efficiency and accountability.

The report on the Revenue and Rehabilitation Department calls for strict monitoring of revenue officials, surprise inspections to curb delays in property transfers, and an improved online land registration system for public convenience.

For the Forest and Wildlife Protection Department, the committee has recommended regularization of contractual employees, transparent transfer policies, and large-scale afforestation using native tree species such as Kikar, Tahli, Jang Karir, Jamun, Mango, Dek, Neem, Bohar, and Pipal on vacant government lands, riverbanks, canals, drains, and roadsides.

Rouri also noted that 29 departments were scrutinized this year, with officials being examined on financial allocations and performance. “Every rupee allocated is the hard-earned money of the people. It is our duty to ensure that public funds are used judiciously for maximum public welfare,” he asserted, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to transparency and good governance.