The Samajwadi Party Government’s move to curtail wings of Mayor through legislation met a road block as Raj Bhawan has decided to take a legal opinion on this issue “before giving its assent on this controversial bill.” A senior official in Raj Bhawan told The Pioneer here on Wednesday that Governor Ram Naik has so far not signed the UP Nagar Nigam (amendment) Bill 2015 which has been passed by the Vidhan sabha and Vidhan Parishad in just concluded Budget session.
“The Raj Bhawan has received the bill and Governor has so far not signed it. It is under his perusal and has sought a legal opinion on this,” the official said on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to media. The UP government had brought UP Nagar Nigam (amendment) Bill 2015 which has a provision for dismissal of mayors of Nagar Nigam and chairmen of Nagar Palika Parishad on corruption charges. Their financial power of Mayor has also been curtailed. It has been mandatory for the Mayors to take permission from the government for any project costing over Rs 15 lakh.
The decision has created a political furore as BJP, which has mayors in 10 cities out of 13 Nagar Nigams, have staged protest calling it a murder of democracy. The official said that BJP law makers have also handed over a memorandum to the Governor against this legislation raising many objections. The Raj Bhawan is also reviewing the Bill on the light of objections raised by the BJP delegation. Governor is yet to sign Uttar Pradesh Minority Commission Amendment Bill under which the Chairman will enjoy the status of Minister of State. Government had earlier issued an ordinance making amendment in the Minority Commission Act giving the Chairman the rank of Cabinet minister. Naik had earlier sent the legislation back to Government questioning as why Chairman should enjoy cabinet minister rank when chairmen of other Commission are MoS. The Government has made required changes and has sent the Bill to Governor for his assent.