CHAPTER VI

PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

Introduction

The legislature does not merely legislate and pass the budget, it also supervises the administration of the day. It also represents the various sectional or class interests and communicates the grievances of the people to the executive and tries to redress them through various parliamentary devices. The legislative and financial control over the executive being formal and limited, the supervisory function of the legislature has assumed greater importance, especially during the second half of the century. The need for communication, representa­ tion and supervisory function of the legislature stems from the enormous expansion of the scope, functions and powers of the executive as a result of the socialist and welfare objectives of the state.^ The above functions are being performed by the members through questions, adjournment motions, no confidence motions, calling attention notices, resolutions, discussions for short duration, other motions, half-an-hour discussions, etc. Having dealt with questions, adjournment and no confidence motions in the foregoing chapters, the matters of public importance raised through other parliamentary devices are analysed in this

215 216

chapter. It was seen that in discussions under several parlia­ mentary devices,there was much repetition of the same issues such as firing, cotton monopoly procurement scheme, facilities to Nava-Bouddhas, atrocities on the Dalits, regional grievances, problems of students, teachers and state government employees, etc.

(I) Calling Attention Notices

The device of calling attention is a purely Indian inno­ vation in parliamentary procedure and practice. Any member through this device can draw the attention of the government to a sudden development of urgent public importance and seek remedial measures. Once the calling attention notice is admitt­ ed by the Speaker/Chairman, the minister concerned has to make a statement immediately or he can ask for some time to make a statement on it. The said device combined the asking of ques­ tions with few supplementaries and short comments; the govern­ ment also gets an opportunity to state or elucidate its stand on particular issues»2 In Maharashtra, only two calling attention notices, on any day of the sitting, can be taken up in the Assembly while the maximum three such notices can be taken up in the Council, In the Lok Sabha, not more than two notices are allowed on any day of the sitting of the House. The adjournment motion can be generally moved by the members of the Opposition, On the con­ trary, the calling attention motion can be resorted to both by 217

the members of the majority party and those of the Opposition, because it does not involve a censure element. Moreover, neither discussion nor vote can be held on a calling attention motion.

Sub.lects of Calling Attention

In Maharashtra legislature, the calling attention notices covered a wide range of subjects such as cotton mono­ poly procurement scheme, foodgrains levy, electricity, lockouts, new pattern of education, atrocities on backward classes, mal­ practices and corruption, grievances of the State Government employees, teachers, students, farmers and numerous other sub­ jects, The calling attention notices are dealt with under different categories in the subsequent discussion,

(a) Agricultural Sector

The farmers' burning problems such as cotton monopoly procurement scheme, foodgrains levy, power connections, etc. drew the attention of the government through calling attention notices.

Cotton Monopoly Procurement Scheme

With a view to fetch a fair price and emancipate the cotton growers from the clutches of the middlemen, the Con­ gress Government introduced the cotton monopoly procurement I scheme in 1972-73, However, the scheme was paralysed due to lack of funds. Owing to refusal from the Centre to provide 218 funds for the said scheme, it was suspended from August 1977. In this regard, to a calling attention by Shri U, D. Patil^ (Digras - Congress), Government responded that the scheme was still being continued barring the monopoly element. Replying to another calling attention motion in the wake of non-declaration of policy regarding purchase of cotton. Government emphatically stated that the cotton season was yet to begin and the policy would be proclaimed before its commencement. In this way, the members were successful in securing an assurance from the government. The members also awakened the government to declare policy soon in the above matter,

Foodgrain Levy

To cope with the acute shortage of foodgrains, the Con­ gress Government imposed foodgrain levy on cash crop growers (who were not liable to pay under the prevailing Act) by issu­ ing a government order in 197^75♦ which was challenged in the Bombay High Court. The government took stern legal measures against the farmers liable to pay the levy, but no action was taken against the cash-crop growers. To a calling attention in this regard by Sarvashri K, D, Bhegade (Maval), A.A,Wankhede^ (Malkapur) - both BJS, the government replied that it was sincerely thinking to cover the cash-crop growers also under the compulsory levy Act. Later on, the Congress Government introduced the Bill, amending'compulsory levy act so as to cover cash crop growers and provide Justice to the small 219

farmers. Several calling attention motions were raised b y w e w ~ bers over the shortage of foodgrains, but the government failed to pacify the members quite often,

Pover Connections

The government policy was to give power connections to the farmers who would purchase debentures of the M.S.B.B,, As the M.S.E.B. was facing financial stringency, it asked the farmers desirous of power connections to deposit additional amount for poles and other materials, in addition to the pur­ chase of debentures which caused hardships to the farmers. In this connection, several members put calling attention notices. To a calling attention by Shri R, A, Patil^ (Walwa - Congress), the government reacted that all the farmers demanding power connections were supposed to purchase the debentures^but generally they were not asked to deposit additional amount,The members were satisfied with the reply. The unofficial recovery of money was brought to the notice of the government. The farmers* interest was protected by the above calling attention notices^besides government policy in this regard was clarified to the House. Moreover, cases of adulterated wheat seed, ban on cashew export, deterioration in the prices of agricultural commodities, damage caused to the farmers due to heavy rain,

i morchas and satyagrahas due to discontinuance of cotton monopoly procurement scheme, etc. became the subjects of calling 220

attention. The legislators could not fall to get assurances from the governoient quite often,

(b) Industrial Sector

During the period under study, there were comparatively less number of calling attention notices, in the industrial sector; perhaps it might be due to the Emergency and other measures taken by the government. The main issues were lock­ outs, strikes, problems of powerloom Industry, unemployment, lay off, etc.

Lockouts

The government declared that it would always protect the interest of the labour community. Between the government and the Opposition, there was no disagreement about the policy but regarding its implementation. To a calling attention by Sarvashri Vlthalrao Tupe (Cantonment - Congress (I)) and 7 others' in the context of the lockout declared by Kirloskar Pneumatic Factory, Hadapsar (Pune) causing anxiety and starva­ tion for about three months to the workers, the PDF Government responded that both parties were invited for compromise but it could not make out the same. Replying to Shri D, N, Patil (Alibag - PWP) the Labour Minister stated that at that Juncture the government did not Intend to take over the said factory, but stern measures would be' adopted hereafter to resolve the issue. The Opposition retorted that the government was safe­ guarding the interests of the industrialists. In this way,the 221

Opposition was successful In securing an assurance from the government. It also tried to protect interests of the workers. Several other calling attention notices were sponsored relat­ ing to lockouts, strikes, unemployaient and lay off in different industrial units. The menbers were not always happy with the replies as sometimes government provided evasive replies and did not furnish full facts before the House.

Powerloom Industry

Following the recommendations of Shivraman Committee, the Central Government imposed heavy taxes on the powerloom industry and hence much discontent cropped up in this industry. In this connection, to a calling attention by Shri R, F, Q Chaudhari (Vidarbha, Graduates Constituency - BJS), the government asserted that it did not agree with the recommenda^ tions of the said committee and had already communicated its contention to the Centreiand would persuade the Centre in this regard. Other issues such as unemployment, increase in wages, etc, figured during the calling attention motions,

(c) State Government Employees*. Teachers* and Students* Grievances

Since 1975» the grievances of State Government Employees, teachers and students absorbed much of the time of both the Houses. These grievances were reflected through calling attention as well as other parliamentary devices. 222

State Government Employees

During the Emergency, the government changed office timings, reduced the number of holidays, and compulsorily retired several officials for inefficiency. The above policy was vehemently resented by almost all opposition parties as well as by the employees. To a calling attention in respect of

compulsory retiring the officers after attaining the age of ^ 0 or 55? the government responded that the independent appellate machinery for reviewing the cases of appesuLs from employees was not created. However it assured the House that the sadd machinery would be set up as per the instructions from the g Centre,^ In this way, a lacuna in the administrative machinery was pinpointed by the members. Other grievances such as dis­ parity in the dearness allowance, reduction in the number of holidays, reinstation of employees, office timings, etc. were removed with the passage of time. But some credit should be given to other psLrliamentary devices also.

Teachers* Grievances

The retrenchment of college teachers in non-govemment arts, commerce and science colleges, implementation of the U.G.C, scales, seniority list and several other issues figured during the calling attention motions. To a calling attention by Shri V. J. Karlekar^*^ (Wardha - Congress) in respect of retrenchment of college teachers, the government reacted that it would take proper action in this regard. Later on, the 223 government asked the managements concerned to cancel the termi­ nation notices and continue the services of permanent teachers. The teachers concerned were provided justice by this measure. In regard to a boycott of secondary teachers on the S.S.C. Examinations of March 1975 and the boycott of college teachers on the University examinations of March 1975» the government stated that it had started the negotiations and would resolve the issue soon. However, the Opposition blamed the government for not having taken timely action over the issues.

Students* Grievances

Several grievances, such as non-availability of text­ books, condition of Higher English for candidates seeking ad­ mission to medical colleges, a hike in fees, etc, were reflect­ ed through calling attention notices. For instance, to a call­ ing attention by Shri Linganna Pujari^^ (Greater Bombay,Local Authorities - Congress) regarding non-availability of text­ books in the market, the government replied that ninety per cent textbooks were available in the market and remaining ten per cent would be available by July 1 5 » 1976. In view of the relaxation of the condition of Higher English for candidates seeking admission to the medicaLL colleges, 12 the government approached the Indian Medical Council and got relaxed the said condition for two years, viz, 1977-78 and 1978-79. Several other grievances, except a hike in the college fees, were re­ dressed by the government later on. However, other parlia­ mentary devices also came handy. 221+

(d) Backward Classes

Despite government's avowed policy to give protection to the Dalits and the Nava^Bouddhasi the Incidents of atrocities mounted time and again. In regard to the indefinite fast for three-fold demands by Shri P. N. Rajbhoj^^ (Nominated), the government in a statement asserted that the number of reserve seats of Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha were decided by the Delimita­ tion Commission, that the educational facilities were provided to all Nava-Bouddhas since I960 and that the relevant Act was strictly enforced to minimise atrocities on the backward classes. However, the demand for the appointment of a Special Commission to inquire into atrocities on Dalits was not respected by the government. Likewise, in connection with the atrocities on the four Bouddha ladies in Fort area, Bombay, lU- the government re­ plied that the four convicts were arrested and a suit was filed against them under the sections 3I+2, 323 and 365 of the Indian Criminal Procedure Code, It was surprising to note that even during the Emergency,the cases of atrocities on the backward classes occurred in a capital city like Bombay, The Opposition flayed the Police Department in respect of several other in­ stances of atrocities through calling attention notices.

(e) Cases of Malpractices and Corruption

The Congress Government announced that corruption would i be rooted out lock, stock and barrel, but the Opposition was sceptic about the implementation of the above policy. To a 225 calling attention regarding on-money taken by the several sugar factories by Shri N, Deshoukh^^ (Elected by Assembly - PWP), the governtuent hesitatingly replied that no sugar dealer had made a written complaint in this respect. It also assured that if anybody still gave evidence in this regard stern action would be taken against the defaulters. With regard to the promise of a bribe worth Rs, 3 lakhs being offered to the Minister of State for Home,^^ the govern­ ment explained how the trap was contrived with the help of the Anti-Corruption Department. The above action was appreciated by Shri Manohar Joshi (Greater Bombay, Local Authorities - Shiv Sena). To a historical calling attention by Shri D, N. Patil^^ (Alibag - PWP) in respect of the statement made by the then Central Minister Shri George Fernandis regarding the demand of Rs. 20 lakhs from an industrialist by one legislator, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Home disagreed to conduct an inquiry through the C.I.D, Nobody was satisfied with the government’s reply. The noisy scenes rocked the Assembly, The House was adjourned thrice in a day and ultimately it was ad­ journed for two days. Meanwhile the Chief Minister Shri Vasant- dada Patil resigned, which was a major victory for the House, The real reason for the collapse of the Vasantdada Ministry was»that a dissident group of ^0 members under the leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar defected from the coalition ministry. In this way, the members through calling attention notices put forth various grievances of various sections of 226 the society and thus the legislature had performed the representa- tional function successfully.

Table 6,1 displays the sessionwise break up of the call- ing attention notices during the period 1975-1930 in the Assembly.

Table 6,1 : Break-up of Csilling Attention Notices in the Assembly

Year Session No,of notices No*of notices received admitted

1975 I 759 161

II 112 lf8

III 178 97

1976 I 336 70

II 39^+ 1+9

III 217 39

1977 I 121 27

II 653 101

III 270 6if

1973 I 3^0 53

II 685 1^9

III 200 1+8

1979 I 1+01 9 ^ II Mfl 1+1+

1980 I Iif5 11

Total 5252 10 5 5

V 227

Table 6,1 showed that out of the total of 5252 calling attention notices, 10 5 5 notices representing 20.0 9 per cent were admitted by the government during the period from February

1975 to February 1980, However, during the life of the 5th Lok

Sabha, out of the total of 2892U- calling attention notices, only lf338 notices representing l^f.90 per cent were admitted by 18 the govemaent. It meant the Maharashtra Government was more considerate as compared to the Central Government in giving consent to the calling attention notices. It was also seen that the above device was popular next to questions in Maharashtra,

By and large, it seemed that there was no noticeable effect of the Emergency on the recourse to this device in Maharashtra.

(II) Resolutions

A resolution can be moved on any matter of public im­ portance by any member of the House, In case of the non-govern- ment resolution, a notice of clear 15 days, and in the case of government resolution a notice of clear 7 days has to be given to the Secretary, Maharashtra Legislature, The object of mov­ ing a resolution may be a declaration of opinion or a mere re­ commendation or approval or disapproval of a policy or action by the House or it may convey a message or commend a request for requisite action, or draw attention to a matter for con­ sideration by the governniento^^ Unlike calling attention, a debate as well as voting can be held in case of a resolution.

Similarly, an amendment can be sought to a resolution by a membero 22ft

Classification of Resolutions

In Maharashtra Legislature, the resolutions were moved on varied subjects during 1 9 7 W 9 8 0 . Taking into account the purpose behind them, the resolutions could be classified as follows:

(a) Resolutions Regarding Policy Matters

Some resolutions were moved with the purpose of con­ sideration of policies, changes in the policies or disapproval of the policies by the House. The supply of essential commo­ dities at reasonable prices, 20-point programme, atrocities on the poor people during the Emergency, opening of industrial training institutes at every taluka level, parity in the dear­ ness allowance and restoration of cotton monopoly procurement scheme were the main subjects of resolutions under the above category. The agricultural policy of the Congress Government was often criticised by the PWP, BJS and CPI members. To a resolu­ tion demanding the creation of the Infrastructure for agricul-

p A ture moved by Shri K, N, Deshmukh (Ahmedpur - PWP), the Agriculture Minister responded that several Irrigation projects were undertaken, that it had decided to incur cent per cent expenditure on Nala Bunding, and that Maharashtra was always in the forefront in providing credit upto the lowest strata of cultivators. He further stated that the agricultural prices were determined by the Agricultural Prices Commission, the 229 issue could not be handled independently by the Maharashtra Governiuent, The Minister skilfully evaded the issue of con­ cessional interest rate and additional generation of power but agreed in principle on the score of providing the infrastructure to agriculture. The mover was partially satisfied with the government reply. While replying to a resolution in the Council regarding air pollution in Bombay by Shri Manohar Joshi 21 (Greater Bombay, Local Authorities - Shiv Sena),the government disowned several charges and explained the measures taken so far. It was so much influenced that it assured the House, that it would intro­ duce the requisite Bill within one or two months. Likewise, the amended liberal prohibition policy with effect from August 8, 1972 was forcefully criticised by Shri V. J, Karlekar (Wardha - Congress) through a resolution. 22 Similarly other resolutions such as regarding restoration of cotton monopoly procurement scheme, parity in the dearness allowance of State Government employees, opening of industrial training institute at every taluka level, etc. were the major policy issues reflect, ed through the resolutions. The movers were not always satis­ fied with the government’s stand, but they were liberal enough to withdraw the resolutions at the request by the Government.

(b) Resolutions Demanding Appointment of Commissions or Committees

Whenever the working of a particular Corporation or a Department was not satisfactory, the Opposition demanded that 230

a commission or a committee should be appointed to study the issue thoroughly. For instance, as the working of the M.S.E.B, was not satisfactory, Shri U* L, Patil, Leader of the Opposi- 2 "i tion, moved a resolution demanding constitution of a high level commission to probe into the working of the M.S.E.B,. Several members criticised the working of the said Corporation. However, Government made a plea that as the committee of eight members under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of the State had been already appointed, there was no need of con­ stituting a commission. It assured the House that, if even sifter the implementation of the recommendations of the said committee^the working of the Corporation could not be improved, it would think of the constitution of the Commission, Shri T, S, Karkhanis Olf (Kolhapur - Janata) moved a resolution demanding the appointment of an inquiry commission to probe into the atrocities on the poor during the Emergency, However, taking into account the points of order by Sarvashri R. G. Mirashi (Deogad), A. T. Patil^^ (Pen) - both Congress, the Speaker ruled that the resolution was out of order, It was seen that« the government hardly accepted the demand of appointing the committees and commissions demanded by the members. However, whenever the matter was grave, it reportedly appointed a committee, but did not give credit to the Opposition for that. 231

(c) Resolutions Protecting Certain Class-lnterests

The Interests of different classes such as teachers, non-teaching staff, State government employees, farmers, agri­ cultural labourers, backward classes,etc. Invited the attention of the government through the resolutions sponsored from time to time. The University and College teachers and non-teaching staff were not provided pension scheme, though the responsi­ bility of payment was accepted by the government. In this connection, Shri Arun Donde 26 (Nominated) through a resolution demanded that the pension scheme also be made applicable to the above employees. Replying to the resolution, the government explicitly stated that it was not against the pension scheme, but it had to think over the matter. Later on. Government proclaimed in the Monsoon Session (July, I983) that the said scheme would be implemented with effect from October 1, 19^2, The Government was immensely influenced by the above resolution. It was noticed that several educational problems were discussed in greater detail in the Council rather than in the Assembly, In view of the demand for unemployment allowance to the educated unemployed,the Industry Minister assured the House that the Government would chalk out a definite policy in res­ pect of the unemployment allowance and self-employment scheme. While replying to the issue posed by Shri V. G. Upadhye (Nasik - Janata)) the Finance Minister declared that the 232

Government had accepted the principle of equity in respect of dearness allowance. To the issue of a provision for spending 15 per cent of their budget, on backward classes, by the Municipalities, moot­ ed by Shri D, N. Metkar^^ (Amravati - Congress), the Government assured the House that the requisite bill would be introduced either during the current session or the ensuing session. The resolution demanding all facilities to the Nava-Bouddhas as enjoyed by the backward classes, moved by Shri P. N, Rajbhoj^*^ (Nominated), was unanimously adopted. So far as, the Maha­ rashtra State was concerned, it had provided all the facilities within its jurisdiction to the Nava-Bouddhas since I960. It seemed that the Maharashtra Government was more sympathetic towards the Nava-Bouddhas than the Central Government,

(d) Regional Interests

In spite of the declared policy of balanced growth of all the regions in the State, Vidarbha, Marathwada and Konkan remained somewhat backward in respect of irrigation, indu­ strialisation, roads, per capita expenditure, etc.

Vidarbha

While advocating the demand for a separate Vidarbha State, Shri Banwarilal Purohit^^ (Nagpur East - Congress (I)) complained that only small-scale industrial units were insti­ tuted in Vidarbha, major industrial projects existing in Bombay and Pune. Sarvashri Gurunath Kurude^^ (Kandhar - PWP), K. D, 233

Bhegade^^ (Maval - Janata) and severeil other members of the PDF opposed the resolution, while the members of Congress (I) supported the resolution. Referring to the issues raised,the Government furnished comparative statistics pertaining to per capita expenditure, roads, small-scale units, etc, in respect of Western Maharashtra and Vidarbha. Nevertheless, the Con­ gress (I) members were not fully satisfied with the reply,

Marathvada

To the resolution demanding Bombay High Court*s Divi­ sion Bench at Aurangabad by Shri K, N, Deshmukh^ (Ahmedpur - PWP), the Government responded that it would persuade the Centre in this behalf. The members of the PWP dominated the discussion in the House in this behalf, Sarvashri T, S, Patil (Kannad), Uttamrao Patwari (Vaijapur) - both Janata, K, N, Deshraukh (Ahmedpur), Gulabchand Rathi (Jintur) - both PWP, S. B. Chavan (Bhokar - Samajwadi Congress), represented Marathwada. No tension either between the ruling party and the Opposition or among the different political parties was evident during the discussion. Other issues such as the addi­ tional expenditure on irrigation projects and roads, the undertaking of broad-gauge rail-line,etc,, were aired through the above device,

Konksin With regard to the location of Fertilizer Project at Thal-Vayshet^^ instead of at Tarsmpur in pursuance of the 23^ expert's opinion, the Industry Minister reacted that the Govern­ ment would make all-out efforts to get the assent of the Centre to the desired location. The said resolution was passed una­ nimously. Similarly a non-government resolution regarding Konkan Railway was also unanimously adopted by the Assembly,* In regard to the moot issue of Maharashtra-Kamataka Border, both the Houses resorted to all the parliamentary devices, but the issue remained unresolved due to non-coopera- tion from the Centre and the Karnataka Government. It was seen that, while presenting the regional interests, the members never thought of party discipline, so party affiliation lost its significance all through. As pointed out earlier, several non-government resolutions were supported by the ruling party also, and vice-versa. Although the Opposition was numerically weak, it made concerted and united endeavours while presenting the varied issues before the Government, Perhaps, the Emergency and its aftermath brought the opposition parties close together which did not often fgiil to impress the government. Table 6,2 showed the sessionwise break-up of resolu­ tions in the Assembly during the period under study. Table 6,2 indicates that out of the total of I896 notices of resolutions, 1556 notices representing 82.07 per cent were admitted by the Government. It was noticed that whenever there took place the Lok Sabha Elections (during March, 1977) and Assembly Elections (during February 1978) the number of notices declined, viz. to 90 and 57 respectivelyv 235

Table 6.2 : Sesaionwise Break-up of Non-Governraent Resolutions

Year Session No,of notices No,of notices received admitted

1975 I 179 160 II 137 130 III 108 100 1976 I llf7 139 II 120 101 III 102 90 1977 I 90 72 II 139 120 III 102 89 1978 I 57 16 II 262 209 III 113 86 1979 I 133 107

II lh-6 91

1980 I 61 h e

Total 1896 1556

Source : Session Reviews. M.L.A. Debates.

It might be due to the fact that the members might be busy with election ceunpaigns. It was fiO-so seen that there was no 236 noticeable effect of the Emergency on the notices of resolutions as well as their discussion. It should not be forgotten that the above device was quite popular next to the calling atten­ tion,

(III) Discussion for Short Duration

The device of discussion for short duration, which normally extends over two and half hours, occupies an important place in the armoury of parliamentary devices. It provides an opportunity to the members to discuss urgent matters of major public importance; however, unlike resolutions, there is neither a formal motion nor voting in respect of such dis­ cussion.

Firing at Bahiram (Amravati) and Nagpur

Although the Cotton Monopoly Procurement Scheme was undertaken by the Government, several flaws cropped up in the implementation of the scheme, which provided an ample fodder for the Opposition and especially for the BJS to raise dis­ cussion over the issue. In view of the monopolistic character of the above scheme, the BJS took out Sattagraha-cum-Morcha at Bahiram, in which police resorted to firing, and consequently several members demanded Judicial inquiry into it,^*^ The then, the Co-operation Minister spurned the conduct of a Judicial inquiry and discarded all the charges. He Justified not only firing but continuation of the scheme for the benefits of the 237 farmers. Likewise, the BJS members were successful in raising the discussion over the above issue on the same day in the Council-^ also. The party ideology of the BJS was reflected through such discussion. Nevertheless, the party fsdled to influence the Government, as it attempted to represent the interests of cotton merchants and cotton growers simultaneously. In support of the demand for the separate Vidarbha State, and to show the discontent among the people against the forging of the PDF Government, the Congress (I) observed Satyagraha-cum-Morcha on November 27, 1973, wherein several MLAs and 58 persons were severely injured,The recourse to the unparliamentgury words and clashes took place during the discussion. However, the Government unequivocally justified the lathi charge and openly rejected the demand of appointing a committee of the House. The Opposition staged a boycott. It was noticed that the Government was defensive and the Opposi­ tion was guilty during the discussion.

Problems of Higher Secondary Education (Stds. XI and XII)

The implementation of the new pattern of education (10f2+3) gave rise to several problems and caused hsurdship to the students. In a discussion in the Council raised by Sarvashri N. D, Patil (Pune>Teachers Constituency - PWP),

U, B. Jagtap^*^ (Elected by Assembly - Congress), several members criticised the implementation of the pattern, Shri N, D. Patil levelled severe criticism against Government's 238 policy regarding attaching Stds, XI and XII, mlnimuiD strength In each class, appointment of teachers, etc, Shri D, B. Sule (Greater Bombay - cum - Maharashtra Teachers Constituency - Independent) drew the attention of the government to a Higher Secondary School, wherein the management put the nsunes of clerks and peons on the roll-call in order to fulfil the stipulation regarding the minimum strength of the class. Several other members accused the Government for having not given any thought to vocational education. In response to the discussion, the Government stated that nobody would be deprived of educational opportunities. It also informed the House that the proviso regarding minimum strength had been relaxed from ifO to 30 in the case of the backward and minority schools. In this way, the members could extract some assurances from the government.

Cotton Monopoly Procurement Scheme

The BJB was agciinst the cotton monopoly procurement scheme. In a discussion posed in the Council in this connec- tion*,Shri Motiram Lahane U-1 (Elected by Assembly - BJ'S) demand­ ed that the monopoly character of the scheme should be removed, that a guaranteed price to the cotton should be given and that the cotton growers should get freedom to sell cotton anywhere as per their desire. However, Shri N. D. Patil (Elected by Assembly - PWP) opposed the idea of abolishing the monopoly character of the scheme. On the contrary, Shri S, A. Shinde 239

(Elected by Assembly - Congress) retorted that the BJ'S was re- ‘ presenting the interests of the cotton merchants rather than those of the cotton-growers, Replying to the above issue, the Govemraent stated that the said scheme was beneficial to the cotton growers; and hence it was being implemented. It spurned all the charges made by the Opposition. During the discussion a tension arose between the Congress and the BJS members. Sarvashri N. V. Ugale, S, A. Shinde (both elected by Assembly) - both Congress, sided with the Government. It was witnessed that the legislative politics hinged much upon the party ideology, rather than articulating the demands and grievances of the people, A discussion on facilities to the Nava-Bouddhas was called for by Shri N. D. Patil (Pune Teachers Constituency - PWP) and Shri U. L. Patil^^ Leader of the Opposition. A dis­ cussion was also asked for on the Maharashtra-Karnataka Border Issue by Shri Manohar Joshi Il -3 (Greater Bombay - Local Autho­ rities, Shiv Sena), Table 6.3 shows the session-wise break-up of the short discussions in the Assembly. Table 6.3 displays that out of the total of 1^9 notices of discussions only 2 h i.e. representing 16,11 per cent were admitted during 1975-80, It meant that the Government did not favour such discussion, as each discussion consumed about two and half hours. During the neriod of Emergency, the Government 2 h 0

Table 6.3 : Discussions for Short Duration in the Assembly

Year Session No.of notices No.of notices received admitted

1975 I 12 3 II 7 2 III 15 1 1976 I Nil Nil II 10 1 III 7 Nil 1977 I 1 Nil II If 3 III 1 1978 I 7 1 II 15 2

• III 12 If 1979 I 22 6 II 33 Nil 1980 I Nil Nil

Total lU-9 2 h

Source : Session Reviews

was obviously quite reluctant to admit such discussions due to enormous business before it. 2U-1

(IV) Other Motions

In Maharashtra Legislature there are other motions namely statutory motions, last week motions and No-day yet- Named motions. According to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rule (latest edition) 283» a notice of clear ten days has to be given in respect of the statutory motions. Assembly Rule 285 provides for the last week motions which can be ad­ mitted by the Speaker after consultation with the Leader of the House. Under this rule a clear 3 days notice has to be given by a member to raise a discussion on a matter of suffi­ cient public importance. In case of No-day yet-Named motions, though they may be admitted, a date for the discussion is not fixed. The Speaker, however, may with the consultation with Lk the Leader of the Housejfix the date of such motion. Notices of other motions are also tabled in the Indian Parliament. With

regard to the above motions, S. L. Shakdher observed: "All the procedural devices have been deliberately introduced as part of the aim that the private member shall not feel handicapped for lack of procedural means to bring up urgent public issues L tr before the national legislature," ■' In other words, other motions do provide an additional opportunity to raise dis­ cussion on any urgent public issue. However, no voting is held in respect of such motions,

1 Ma.1or Issues

In Maharashtra Legislature, during the period under 2 h 2

study, several important issues were mooted through the above motions, A few of them have been analysed below.

Twenty Point Programme

Before the Emergency, a l5-point programme was being implemented by the Congress Government, Later on^the then Chief Minister Shri S, B. Chavan tabled a motion regarding the 20-point economic programme as proclaimed on July 1, 197?j by the Prime Minister of India for the consideration of the House,Several members appreciated the programme but made several suggestions in that regard also. Shri Manohar Joshi (Greater Bombay - Local Authorities - Shiv Sena) suggested in the Councilithat the Government should see that the essential commodities were provided regularly at reasonable prices to the common man,and that the persons who had amassed black money should be prosecuted, Shri Ratnappa Kumbhar, the then Minister for Food and Urban Supply opined that the production should be enhanced,and public distribution system should be streamlined go as to make the 20-point programme a success. Replying to the debate, Chief Minister vehemently justified the proclamation of Emergency and exhorted the House that the said programme was for the uplift of the weaker sections of the society, and all parties should extend coopera­ tion for the same. He accepted the suggestion of appointing

* People’s Action Committees. The above programme emphasised an increase in agricultural production, debt-relief measures 2 k 3 to the poor, adequate and timely supply of credit, rural hous­ ing (Gharkulas), improvement of Zopadpattis etc. Nevertheless> not a single member from the BJS, PWP, CPI and CPM took part in the discussion. It might be due to the apprehension that it was a Congress Party Programme. The participants in the dis­ cussion praised the prograame and nobody criticised it perhaps to the fear of the MISA, Amongst the Opposition, Shiv Sena, RPI (Gaval Group) and Independents participated in the dis­ cussion.

Prices of Essential Commodities

The rising prices of essential commodities was a moot issue and the Government hardly succeeded in curbing them. In a discussion sponsored by Sarvashri F.M. Pinto (Mahim - Con- gress) and T. S. Karkhanis h 7 (Kolhapur - PWP), the former expressed a deep concern over the rising prices of essential commodities and inadequate measures adopted by the Government in that behalf. Criticising the Government measures he alleged that the prices of essential commodities were rising even during the Emergency, he also retorted that the low price shops were converted into high or dear price shops. Replying to the issues, the Minister for Food and Urban Supply ruled out all the charges and enumerated the measures adopted by the Centre as well as the State Government. The Government was grilled over the above issue by the Opp2>sition. However, the Government assured the House that it would leave 2Mf no stone unturned to hold the price line. But the Opposition was hardly satisfied with the reply.

District Planning

The prime motive behind the district planning was to remove imbalances among the districts in the State. N, R, Inamdar in his paper conceived district planning as an off­ shoot of regional planning in its objective of regionalised economic planning and programmatic aspect of rural reconstruc­ tion.^® Maharashtra was the first State in India to introduce the district planning in 197^. Nevertheless, the said planning failed to realise the objectives behind it. In a discussion sponsored by Shri N, N, BarshikarIxQ ^ (Ahmednagar South - Indepen­ dent), several members from both sides enumerated the causes of its failure and suggested remedial measures. For instance, Shri V. G. Shivdare (Sholapur South - Congress) complained that several departments accorded administrative approvsuL to the provisions In District Planning and Development Councils at the end of the year but these failed utterly. Shri G, A. Deshmukh (Sangola - PWP) alleged that D^P.D.C. was merely an advisory body; in fact, it should have legal status. Referring to the above issue-)Shri P. B. Patil (Sangli - Congress) em­ phasised the need of giving more power to the D.P.D.C. and further suggested, that a proper survey of each district suid planning on the basis of adequate and correct data was the real need of the time. Likewise, N. R. Inamdar in his paper ’’District Planning in Maharashtra" drew the attention of the 2lf5

Government towards non-inclusion of expertise in the composi­ tion of the D.P.D.C, He argued that availability of longer time and better expertise would serve a fruitful purpose. He also stressed the need of integrating plans of other public authorities, viz, nationalised banks, the co-operative sector and niunicipgQ, bodies, with the district planning in view of the declared object to that e f f e c t , R e p l y i n g to the debate, the Government accepted a number of suggestions and gave some assurances also. But it wais not ready to give either legal status or larger power to the D,P.D,C. Several flaws in the district planning were thus brought to the notice of the

Government. Some members of the ruling party as well as the

Opposition held the view that the district planning did not achieve the original goals behind it. However, it could not be denied that the discussion was quite fruitful from the point of view of the administration.

Several other major issues of public importance such as the working of Maharashtra State "Slectricity Board, riots in Marathwada after having passed the motion regarding renaming of Marathwada University,compulsory sterilisation of certain persons^^, etc, were mooted in the legislature, under other motions, from time to time,

(V) Half-an Hour Discussion

The device of half-an hour discussion is a purely

Indian innovation not found in the Westminster Model. It 2W6 provides an opportunity to a member to raise discussion on a matter of sufficient public importance or inadequate reply to a question, starred or unstarred, or short notice. Previously, such discussions were held only in the context of an inadequate reply to a question. In Maharashtra Assembly, such discussion is held on every Tuesday and Thursday in a week, whereas such discussion is held on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in

Lok Sabha every week during a session except the budget

r t i . esssion,-' There is neither a formail motion nor voting in case of such discussion, which extends for half-an hour at the close of the sitting of a day. The Minister’s reply ends the debate.

Sub .1 acts

The half-an hour discussion covered a wide range of subjects in the field of agriculture, industry, co-operation, education, health, public works, housing, general administra­ tion, planning, etc. The above device helped the member not only to elicit additional information but to ventilate grie­ vances of varied types and get them redressed. In Maharashtra

Legislature some of the discussions were confined to policy matters also. For instance, Shri Jayanand Mathkar^^ (Sawant- wadi - Janata) sponsored the issue of closure of the two factories in Ratnagirl District. The Minister of State for

Industry assured the House that the said industrial units would resume their production soon; the Government had appointed the 2 h 7 committee to see in the above matter. In regard to the prohibi- tion policy,Shri S, M, Thakare (Rajapur - Congress) Invited the attention of the Government towards deaths due to country liquor.?^ Several other policy issues such as rehabilitation of project-affected persons, transfer of primary teachers, open, ing of secondary schools, etc, were reflected through such dis­ cussions.

It was witnessed that the members were not happy with the Government reply. Nevertheless, they could elicit several assurances over the issue. Occasionally, the policy was modi­ fied to some extent. But the credit should not be given only to the above device but to the other parliamentary devices also. Table 6,V gives the sessionwise break-up of half-an hour discussions during 1975-1980. Table 6.^ indicated that out of the totsd of 1223 notices of half-an hour discussion,713 I.e. 58,30 per cent were admitted during the above period. It could be seen that the Government favoured more the notices of half-an hour discussion on public issues rather than on the questions ask­ ed in the Houses. It was seen that there was no noticeable adverse effect of the Emergency over such discussions. The above device being popular was resorted to both by the members of ruling party as well as by the Opposition. 2lf8

Table 6,If : Break-up of Half-an Hour Discussions in the Assembly

Tear Session No.of notices No,of notices received admitted Out of Out of Out of Out of public ques- public ques­ issues tions issues tions

197^ I 13*^ ifO 102 17 II 1+8 Nil lf2 Nil III 39 19 27 11

1976 I 52 13 h 2 V II 71 26 52 2 III 3^ 5 29 Nil

1977 I 28 6 26 2 II 96 36 59 18 III ^9 17 32 9

1978 I 37 Nil 18 Nil

II 106 51 5 5 25

III 6k- 15 32 8

1979 I I h O 18 66 7

II 5 0 17 18 5

1980 I 20 2 5 Nil

Total 968 255 605 108 2lf9

(VI) A Breach of Privilege Motion

A device of breach of privilege is also resorted to by

the Dueaibers to Influence or control an executive, officials,

press and some members of the House itself. The purpose of

such motion is to maintain the position, dignity and status of

the House or its committee. A member intending to move a

breach of privilege has to give a written notice to the Secre­

tary at least an hour prior to the commencement of the sitting

on a day, and also get the consent of the Speaker/Chairman and

the House. If he gets the leave of the House, the Speaker/

Chairman in his discretion may refer the issue to the Committee

of Privilege for investigation, examination and report or refer <7 it to the House for the final decision.'^ A breach of privi­

lege motion, if any, is tabled immediately after the question

hour is over.

Privilege Motions in Maharashtra Legislature

In Maharashtra Legislature, breach of privilege motions

were raised mainly against the ministers, editors of various

periodicals and occasionally against some members of the Houses

and officials also.

A Breach of Privilege against Ministers

A large number of breach of privilege motions were

mooted against the ministers from time to time so as to main­

tain the status of the House or a committee thereof. For 2^0 instanceyShri G. P. Pradhan^® (Maharashtra Graduates - SP) raised in the Council a motion against the Minister of State,

Shri R, V, Belose that while replying to a half-an hour dis­ cussion, he had stated that a provision of Ife. ifO lakhs had been made in the budget for 1975-76

After receiving the clarification from the Minister concerned, the Chairman argued that the Minister intended to state that he had made request to the Finance Department to provide for the said item in the budget. Therefore, he disallowed the motion, but admitted the plea of Shri G. P. Pradhan that the minister should be more careful and cautious, while replying to the various issues. Several other instances could be multiplied in this regard.

It was noticed that all the privilege motions against the ministers were disallowed after receiving the clarifica­ tions and assurances if any from them. Nevertheless, such motions influenced the ministers from time to time who took more care later onj>while making statements or furnishing the information to the House. In this way, the purpose of moving the motions was markedly served.

Privilege Motions against Some Editors

The representatives of different periodicals and daily newspapers are permitted to observe the working of the 251

legislature. While giving the inforination regarding business

transacted in the legislature>some editors had given at times

misleading, wrong and defaojatory information to the public.

For instance, as a result of a breach of privilege motion

against the editor of Ranangan (a Marathi Weekly of Bombay), he was committed to prison for a period of 90 days for his

irresponsibility and recklessness in making the assertions in

the editorial and his remorselessness in the matter,Like­ wise, a privilege motion against the editor of "Mahasagar"

(Daily) for giving wrong and misleading information pertaining

to the business transacted in the House was moved, and later he regretted and apologised for giving wrong and misleading information.^*^ Several other motions against the editors of different periodicals were moved from time to time. The legis­

lature would in this way seek to control the press and main­

tain its proper image in the eyes of the people.

Breach of Privileges against Some Members

It would be somewhat strange to move a breach of

privilege motion against co-members^but the circumstances com­

pelled some members to do so for maintaining the rights,

privileges and dignity of the legislature. For instance, a breach of privilege motion against the Leader of the Opposi­

tion, Shri Ram Meghe and others (all Congress (I)), for resort­

ing to "Gherao" to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman and thus

preventing them from discharging their duties was moved in the 252

Council, However, the Chairman disallowed the motion on the ground that the decision for cotnpelling above members to be present before the privilege committee would be a disgraceful matter which might in its turn devalue the status and prestige of the House.Several other motions were moved against the members concerned, which controlled the disorderly behaviour of some members and thus sustained the image of the House,

A Breach of Privilege against Some Officials

It was found that the members moved a breach of privi­ lege against officials also for one reason or another, and tried indirectly to control and influence the bureaucrats. For instance, Shri Jambuvantrao Dhote (Yavatmal - Congress (I)) moved a breach of privilege against Police Officials for giv­ ing misleading and contradictory statements in respect of arrest of some MLAs on 27.*+.1978. The Speaker admitted the motion and the case was referred to the Privilege Committee,

A few other instances could be cited in this regard. It seemed that a breach of privilege motions influenced and controlled the bureaucrats from time to time^ and the purpose of moving such motions was served largely.

Analysis of Privilege Motions

It was observed that during the period of study, out of the total of 159 notices of breach of privilege, lU-5 notices were disallowed, only two were referred to the 253

Comnjittee of Privileges, four were withdrawn, four lapsed and

four were under consideration of the Speaker. As a large

number of motions were disallowed the members were not satis­

fied with the Speaker*s/Chairman»s rulings and occasionally

they staged an amgry walkout. The members sometimes moved

such motions even for trivial matters also which took a lot of

time of the legislature. In the context of the Rajasthan

Legislative Assembly, C, M. Jain observed : "It might be true

that the Opposition exploited the right of putting privilege motions not so much for maintaining the dignity of the House as for enhancing its own status or bringing the Treasury

Benches, to disgrace or discomfiture",^^ The above remark was also more or less true with reference to the legislators in Maharashtra also. However, it could not be denied that the legislature, through above parliamentary device, could exercise some control smd influence over the Government, the bureaucrats

and the press, and thereby maintain its image in the eyes of the people. It was also noted that there was no effect of the

Emergency over above device, during the period of our inquiry.

(VII) Lokayukta and Uplokayukta

The above parliamentary devices dealt with the public

grievances. Because of paucity of time and enormity of work, the legislature could not deal with individual grievances

arising out of abuse of power or maladministration. To deal with this difficulty, the institution of "Ombudsman" had been 25^ devised by the Scandanavian countries. The institution is also useful for parliaments which have lost ground in budgetary and legislative matters. It is independent of the executive; it exerts control over the activities of the administration and reports directly on its work to the Parliament, Owing to above features, it plays an important part in parliament's control over the executive,^^ The United Kingdom had adopted this institution in 1965 su^d India also favoured the institution since 1963 on the lines of the Ombudsman,In India Lokayuktas have been appointed in various states, but so far Lokpal has not been appointed at the Centre, In the U,K, Parliamentary

Commissioner is performing the role of Ombudsman,

In Maharashtra, Lokayukta and TJplokayukta have been appointed to investigate the individual grievances. The machinery is paralysed due to inadequate powers,limited

Jurisdiction amd mainly due to inadequate cooperation from the Government, The Government of Maharashtra did not give much thought to the recommendations in the Reports of Lokayukta,

In other words, as in the U,K, the institution of Lokayukta is not popular, as it works behind the curtain and without glare of publicity.

The prime objective of the above machinery is to strengthen the legislative control over the administration and provide justice to the aggrieved citizens. But the goal j has not materialised in Maharashtra, 255

(VIII) views of Legislators Interviewed

In regard to the public grievances and several devices utilised to deal with them, some legislators and a few offi­ cials were Interviewed.^^ In respect of calling attention notices virtually all held the view that It was the most popular devlce>which could be resorted to both by the members of the ruling party and those of the Opposition, A Congress(I) member expressed the view that once a calling attention notice was admitted, the Government had to reply or make a statement.

The member could also ask one or two questions to the minister concerned. Several other members and few officials also held similar views as above.

With regard to resolutions, all of them expressed the view that they did not change the policy of the Government immediately, but still discussions over issues were quite use­ ful to the administration. A member of the Janata Party argued that even though the resolutions were withdrawn,the members could get some assurances from the Government over the Issueo

On the contrary, a member of the BJP remarked that through resolution public opinion could be formed and that pressure could be exercised over the Government on a particular issue.

While emphasising the importance of resolutions, a Congress (I) member, contended that they might bring out lacunae in the policies, and that Government might reconsider or even modify the policy in the light of discussion over the issue later on. 256

Likewise, a RPI (Gavai Group) member stated that Government might occasionally adopt the non-govemroent resolution. For instance, the resolution demanding minister's status for the

Leader of the Opposition,was accepted by the Government, Like­ wise an official held the view that the resolutions might change the Government policy in the long run.

The importance of discussions for short duration was appreciated by several legislators, A Congress (I) member opined that such discussion did influence the Government in the long run. For instance, the discussion regarding the economic backlog of Vidarbha had a major bearing on the

Government, which eventually adopted several measures to bridge the backlog. Comparing this device with that of re­ solution a member of the PWP contended that there was greater participation and larger attendance,when major issues of public importance were discussed through this device. Many legislators shared above view.

The utility of other motions was also admitted by seversd members, A member of Congress (I) argued that the above device was useful for attacking Government policy,and that a liberal Government might modify or even change the policy in the light of the criticism offered, A member of the

Janata Party opined that No-Day-yet-Named Motions had some­ times a noticeable effect on the Government, For instance, the usage of Marathi as a regional language in the admini­ stration was acceded by the Government through one such 257 motion. In regard to the importance of each device a PWP member remarked that all devices had their own importance and utility, depending upon the circumstances. Hence the import­ ance of any device could not be overrated or overlooked slL- together. Regarding half-an hour discussion, a Congress (I) member contended that the said device was useful for focuss­ ing attention of the Government on general issues of public importance and the inadequate reply to a starred question. Pointing out the importance of the above device?an Independent member cited that previously secondary schools used to get non-salary grant when the annual audit was over i,e, the end of the financial year on 31st March, Owing to the discussion over above issue through the above device, the secondary schools stsirted receiving the first instalment of the non- salary grant in the month of June of the current year. Several other members also admitted the utility of the above device. Several legislators opined that the device of a breach of privilege motion achieved two goals ; it compelled to take great care while making statements before the House, it also sometimes maintained or raised the image of the legislature in the eyes of the people. In sum, all devices were useful. They were resorted to time and again depending on the circum­ stances. The officials interviewed also agreed that every device had its own importance depending upon the circumstances. 258

CONCLUSION

All the parliamentary devices except the privilege motion were utilised effectively by the members of the ruling and opposition parties to ventilate public grievances^and get them redressed through the administration. If one device fail­ ed to achieve the objective, the recourse of another device was taken by the members until the result was achieved. The PWP, BJB, Shiv Sena, Socialist, Janata and Independents were active parties in the discussions both in the Assembly and the Council, It could not be generalised that the PWP was the most active in ventilating the grievances of farmers and labourers and the BJS was most active in voicing the grievances of the middle class. The political parties reckoned that they roust attract the support of all the classes. So they tried to adopt the technique of airing the grievances concerning all. In regard to the popularity of the devices, calling attention, it seemed, was the most popular one. The farmers* grievances, grievsmces of the teachers, students, State Govern­ ment employees, and several other public issues were voiced through the above device and the legislators could elicit assurances from the Government on various occasions. The justice was provided to the aggrieved persons. The resolutions were also popular next to the calling attention. Although, several resolutions were admitted and a few of them were discussed, only two resolutions were adopted 259 by the Government. The issues like atrocities on backward classes, demand for a Separate Vidarbha State, Maharashtra- Karnataka Border issue, etc. were reflected through the reso­ lutions. Many a time party rivalry was discerned in the House, Several administrative flaws were exposed especially by the Opposition members, and the Government had to give assurances time and again. The resolutions moved by the Opposition were occasionally supported by the majority party, and vice versa. The discussion for short duration was also an important device as it covered the vital issues of the day. The facili­ ties to the Nava-Bouddhas, problems of the new pattern of edu­ cation, cotton monopoly procurement scheme, etc. were mirrored through such discussion. Many a time discussion was csirried on non-party lines. Through these discussions the Government's stand over a particular issue was disclosed to the House, So far as other motions were concerned, the vital issues of public importance were selected for such discussion. For instance, 20-point programme, the prices of essential comraodities, working of the M,S,E,B,, the Cotton Monopoly Pro­ curement Scheme, etc. were discussed through such motions. On several occasions the Opposition was successful in securing SLSsurauices from the Government. The device of half-an hour discussion was useful to know the Government views over a public issue or any inadequate reply to a starred question. The issues like transfer of 260 primary teachers, misappropriation and corruption cases, re­ naming of Marathwada University, etc. were reflected through such discussion. Some grievances were also redressed due to such discussion. However, there was never a storm or party scuffle during such discussions. Likewise, the device of breach of privilege motion influenced the Government bureau­ crats and press also. Besides, the device was utilised to heckle the Treasury Benches, All the above devices provided ample opportunities to the members who tried to make the Government accountable to the legislature. However, the machinery of Lokayukta and Up- lokayukta could not work satisfactorily and gain popularity upto this time. It was seen that on mauiy occasions,Government was compelled to give assurances to the Houses and redress the public grievances subsequently. On several occasions outside forces such as morchas, sattyagraha, uposhan, rally, etc, also exerted pressure on the Government. In this way, the inside forces i.e. parliamentary devices and outside forces noted above, together knocked, hit and hammered the door of ad­ ministration time and again. Nevertheless, it could not be ascertained categorically how much each device impressed the Government over a particular issue. But a cumulative effect of all the parliamentary devices and outside forces caused the Government to concede several demands made from time to time. However, the lion's share should be given to the legislature* which frequently brought the pressure and made the Government 261

behave. In the context of the representative and supervisory functions of the legislature, the importance and utility of the above devices could not be overemphasised. Besides, there was no noticeable effect of the Emergency on the above devices in Maharashtra, although the working of the Lok Sabha was affect­ ed remarkably during the period of the Emergency, In the con­ text of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly it was observed that the legislature's freedom to air public grievances was largely suppressed in case of non-official resolutions and calling attention notices during the period of the Emergency. By and large, the legislature played its due role not only during normalcy but even during the Emergency in the context of its representation and supervisory functions.

REFERENCES

1. L. M. Singhvi (ed.). Parliament and Administration in India. Delhi, Metropolitan, 1972, p. 30. 2. S, L. Shakdher (ed.). Parliament of India ; The Fifth Lok Sabha. New Delhi, Indus International, 1977, p.191. 3. MLA Deb. Vol. 52, No.3, October 19, 1977, PP. 57-62.

If. I«tLC Deb. Vol. If5, No.12, August 12, 1975, PP. 101-102. 5. MLA Deb. Vol. 1+3, No.32, April 10, 1975, PP. 31-3^.

6. MLA Deb. Vol.U-5, No.11, August 11, 1975, pp.173-175.

7. MLA Deb. Vol. 56, No.17, March 30, 1979, PP. 113-llB.

8. MLC Deb. Vol. 1+3, No.28, April h,' 1975, P. 21.

9. MLA Deb, Vol. h ? , No.10, March 18, 1976, pp. 26-27. 262

10. I4LA Deb. Vol. No.10, August 9» 1975, pp. 3-^. 11. t

13 . MLC Deb, Vol. 51, No.12, July 19, 1977, PP. 52-57. 1U-. MLC Deb. Vol. lf7, No.11, March 19, 1976, pp. 9-H. 1 5 . MLC Deb. Vol. 58, No.7, January 29, I98O, pp. lfl-U-2. 16. MLC Deb. Vol. 58, No,6, January 28, I98O, pp. 37-^0. 17 . MLA Deb. Vol. 5^, No.23, July 12, I978, pp. 3^-53. 18. S. L. Shakdher. op.clt.. p. I9I, 19 . Ibid.. p. 19lf. 20. MLA Deb. Vol. »f8. No.2, July 2, 1976, p. 71. 21. MLC Deb. Vol. If6, No.11, December 5, 1975, p. 6^. 22. MLA Deb. Vol. lf3. No.38, April 18, 1975, p. 23. MLC Deb. Vol. ^7, No.17, March 26, 1976, p. 12. 2»+. MLA Deb. Vol. 52, No.9, October 28, 1977, P. 93.

25. Sarvashri R. G. Mirashi and A, T. Patil both raised a point order that as Shah Comraission was appointed over the same issue, the present resolution could not be discussed. Ibid, 26. MLC Deb. Vol. 57, No,6, July 6, 1979, P. 57. 27. MLA Deb. Vol. 5 3 , No.6, March 22, 1978, p. 3 3 . 28. Ibid., p. 19 . 29. MLA Deb. Vol. If5, No.9, August 8, 1975, P. 27^<» 30. MLC Deb. Vol. 5 5 , No.10, December 8 , 1978, p . 26. 3 1. MLA Deb. Vol. 56, No.6, March 15, 1979, P. 86. 32. Shri Gurunath Kurude, M.L.A. argued that though Marathwada was also backward, the people of Marath- wada were not demanding the separate Marathwada State. Ibid. 263

33. Shrl K, D, Bhegade, M.L.A, contended that the develop­ ment of Bombay and Pune cities should not be construed as the development of whole of the Western Maharashtra, Ibid. 3»f. MLA Deb. Vol. 53, No.6, March 22, 1978, p. 11. 35. MLC Deb. Vol. 5V, No.8, June 21, 1978, p. 1. 36. MLA Deb. Vol. 51, No.25, August 5, 1977, p. 79. 37. MLA Deb. Vol. No.3, February 26, 1975, P. 73. 38. MLC Deb. Vol. »^3, No.3, February 26, 1975, P. VO. 39. MLA Deb. Vol. 55, No.9, December 7, 1978, p. 78. VO. MLA Deb. Vol. if8, No.9, July 19, 1976, p. 22. h i . MLC Deb. Vol. ^3, No.3, February 26, 1975, P. ^0. V2. MLC Deb, Vol. 51, No.16 , July 25, 1977, P. 58. ^3. MLC Deb. Vol. 58, No.8, January 30, 1980, p. 95. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rules. Sixth Edn R.288, pp, Ilf7-llf8. ^5. S. L, Shakdher, "Distinctive Features of Parliamentary Procedure in India" in S. L. Shakdher (ed.) Common­ wealth Parliament. New Delhi, Lok Sabha Secretariat, 1976, p. 116. 1+6. MLC Deb. Vol. 1+5, No.12, August 12, 1975, P. 103, ^■7, MLA Deb. Vol. lf6, No.ll+, December 9, 1975, P. 125« ^■8, N, R, Inamdar. Lokmanya Tilak Professor and Head, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Poona, Pune, "District Planning in Maharashtra", The Indian Journal of Public Ad­ ministration. Spl. Number, Vol. XIX, No.3, July- September 1973, New Delhi, p. 320. h 9 , MLA Deb. Vol. 50, No.15, April 7, 1977, P. 278. 50. N. R. Inamdar. op.cit.. pp. 336-337.

51. MLA Deb. Vol. »f3, No.16, March 17, 1975, P. 122. 26»+

52, MLC Deb. Vol. No.12, December 1978, p. 3^+, 53. ML A Deb. Vol. ^-7, No.18, March 27, 1976, p. 38. 5V. B. R, Jakhar, People. Parliament Administration. New Delhi, Metropolitan Book Co., 1982, p. 15lf, 55* MLA Deb. Vol. 56, No.^, March 8, 1979, p. 76. 56. MLA Deb. Vol. 51, No.if, July 7, 1977, p. 118. 57. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rules. Sixth Edn., Bombay, Government of Maharashtra Publication, 1979, R. 270, pp. llfl-l»+2.

58. MLC Deb. Vol. 1+3 , No.»+, February 27, 1975, PP. 20-21. 59. MLA Deb. Vol. No.5, November 28, 1975, PP. 79-8^-, 60. MLA Deb. Vol. 52, N0.6, October 25, 1977, p. 37. 61. MLC Deb. Vol. 58, No.5, January 25, 1980, pp. 80-82,

62. MLA Deb. Vol. 55, No.13, December I h , 1978, pp. 50-5^.

63. C, M. Jain. State Legislatures in India. New Delhi, S. Chand & Co., Pvt.Ltd., 1972, p, 59, 6^, Herman V. and Mendel F, (eds.). Parli^ents of the World. London, The Macmillan Press Ltd., 1976, pp. 922-923. 65. M. P. Jain. "Ombudsman - A Technique of Parliamentary Control", in Dr. L. M. Singhvi (Ed.), Parliament and Administration in India. Delhi, Metropolitan, 1972, p. ll^K 66. See Appendix A, 67. M, Ramchander. "The State Legislative Assembly" in G. Ram Reddy and B.A.V. Sharma (eds.) State Govern­ ment and Politics : Andhra Pradesh. New Delhi, Sterling Publisher Pvt.Ltd., 1979, PP. 35-36,