The Utkal Sammilani Central Committee on Friday demanded that an Odisha legislative Council be set up with a view to providing an opportunity to all groups of people to be part of the decision-making process in the State.
At a Press meet, committee vice-president Dr Gouranga Prasad Behera said, “As per the 168th Constitutional provision, every State can have its own legislative Assembly. A State having more than 140 MlAs is eligible to form an Upper House (legislative Council)”.While a small State like Jammu and Kashmir has its legislative Council, Odisha, which has a 147-member legislative Assembly, is yet to have its council, rued Behera. It is generally observed that many Bills are passed in the State Assembly without any or adequate discussions. So, formation of a legislative Council would involve larger sections of people’s representatives who can hold discussions before final adoption of Bills, said committee general secretary Dr Radhanath Praharaj. He also lamented that the President of India has not yet nominated a single person from Odisha as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Committee members pointed out that as per rule, a legislative Council in Odisha would consist of 49 members, which is one-third of the State’s 147-member legislative Assembly. Besides politicians, this House would comprise members from different fraternities like scientists, educationalists, lawyers, artists and journalists. While the Governor would nominate 16 members of the legislative Council from various fields, 16 others are to be elected by local bodies like Municipalities and NACs, etc, four would be selected from among lecturers of different colleges or universities and the rest would be elected by MlAs.