After relaxation in Model Code of Conduct, the State Government is planning to push Domicile policy for Jharkhand and call a meeting of the Draft Committee to give final shape to the policy which has been a subject of intense debate in political circles for myriad reasons. Nonetheless, the bill appears to be in limbo given the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the coalition Government.
Interestingly, despite several rounds of meeting, committee members are in quandary over the final policy and prefer to maintain a diplomatic stand until results of the General Election are announced.
The Trinamool Congress which recently managed to effect merger of Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch with the party has maintained unwavering stand over the policy amid repeated threats of pulling the plug on the Government.
“Everything will become clear after May 16. We are extending support to the Government on this issue so we have to ensure that it is passed,” said Mandar MlA, Bandhu Tirkey.
Murky political situation has put question mark over the fate of the bill which holds the key to the most contentious issue of recruitment in Government jobs.
State Government developed cold feet on a number of occasions despite showing resolve to fill up vacant positions of teachers for Government schools.
Unstable political situation has also made prominent tribal faces worried about domicile policy and the competence of the incumbent Government to get the bill presented on the floor of Jharkhand Assembly.
“There is big question over the fate of this Government. I don’t see anything happening over the bill unless a single largest party comes in power,” said Prakash Chandra Oraon, noted tribal face. Earlier, the committee had met twice in the month of February and the State Government was prepared to take a final decision on the draft but could not do so as the Jharkhand Assembly was adjourned sine die post announcement of election schedule for Jharkhand.
The committee members comprise Bandhu Tirkey, Sanjay Singh Yadav, Sarafaraz Ahmed, lobin Hembrom and Vidyut Varan Mahto.
As per the roadmap prepared the draft policy has to be put forward for scrutiny by opposition parties to arrive at a consensus before tabling the bill in assembly.
Notwithstanding the threat issued to the Government by outside supporters and discordant voices about the fate of the Government coming out of constituent units of the Congress legislature Party (ClP) leader Rajendra Prasad Singh seemed determined about calling a meeting of the Domicile Draft Committee to give final shape to the policy.
Singh also rubbished charges of any threat to the policy.
“Soon we will call a meeting (to discuss the policy). Almost 90 per cent of the task (of framing policy) is complete,” said Finance Minister and the ClP leader Rajendra Prasad Singh.