Bedi okays Appropriation Bill with rider to let BJP MLAs in Assembly

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of her visit to the Electricity Department, she said her office had received the communication of the SC regarding the three nominated MLAs “to function as such and attend and participate in the proceedings of the Assembly.” She had accordingly forwarded and recommended “introduction of the Appropriation Bill to the Legislative Assembly on Friday night for its consideration with the condition to comply with the interim order of the Supreme Court in respect of the three nominated legislators,” she added.

Bedi also requested the Speaker “to reconvene the Assembly to transact the important financial business.”

“I have requested the Speaker to reconvene the session to pass the bill and send it back to me for assent. With this compliance there will be no cause of dislocation of any public service,” she said.

The Budget session of the Assembly began on July 2. The Appropriation Bill slated to be introduced on July 18 could not be brought in as the approval of Lt Governor was not available till then. The House adjourned on July 19 without being able to bring in the Appropriation Bill, causing apprehension whether the disbursement of salaries and pension to retired government staff and meeting of routine commitments would be possible for want of adoption of the Bill.

While Chief Minister Narayanasamy blamed the Lt Governor for the impasse, the former IPS officer said the session was originally scheduled to have sittings till July 27 but was suddenly “foreclosed.” She wanted the government to make it transparent as to what necessitated this decision.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK urged the Centre to send a high level official team to study the “impasse prevailing in Puducherry following intensive face off between Lt Governor and the Chief Minister” on the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal 2018-2019.