State Congress and Independent (tribal) leaders seem to be grossly dissatisfied with the Government's announcement of a three-member Cabinet Sub-Committee to decide on the domicile policy of the State as they expressed their anguish and disappointment during the first day of the Winter Session of State Assembly, here on Friday.
Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) president Sukhdeo Bhagat demanded a five-member committee over the three-member committee that was formed on Thursday. "We would prefer a five-member committee to prepare draft of domicile policy. Geetashree Oraon (Congress Minister) and Bandhu Tirkey (JJM MlA) should be included in the committee. Unlike the committee formed that has not been specified to work under any time limit the proposed committee should be time bound so that it remains effective and without loopholes," he said.
Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch MlA Bandhu Tirkey, who has been one of most vocal leaders for domicile policy, reached the House on a vehicle covered with balloons and banners demanding domicile policy for the State. Tirkey, who tried to be the show-stealer on the first day by wearing an apron made of a banner, said that such committees were meaning less and futile.
"Committee on domicile policy had been made before also but they did not do any exercise we should not have much hopes from it. I feel all parties should clear their stand before taking a decision. I have called a meeting on December 18 in which things will be discussed in detail," Tirkey said adding that his threatening to the government on domicile issue was still relevant.
Earlier the session of the Assembly began with a speech by the Speaker and condolence messages for several departed souls including the South African leader Nelson Mandela. The House witnessed most of attendance of most of the legislatures except JMM MlA Sita Soren, BJP's Raghuwar Das, leader of Opposition Arjun Munda, who was in Rajasthan to attend the searing in ceremony of the State's CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia among others.