Hyderabad: Many lawmakers in Telangana state are unaware as to what kind of modifications and adaptations have been made in respect of enforcement of the laws that existed in united AP.
For example, the TS government brought in a change in the procedures for appointment of search committees for selection of Vice-Chancellors of various universities in the state.
It modified the Act accordingly and removed the Governor’s role in the matter of appointment of VCs, and empowered the Chief Minister to take up the task. However, many, including some legislators, are unaware of these changes simply for the reason that no amendment to the Act was brought before the House during the last 18 months.
The general perception is that any Act that needs to be amended should be brought before the Legislature as it alone has the power to make laws. However, due to a provision in the AP Reorganisation Act, Section 101, both the TS and AP governments are empowered to adopt the laws existed prior to the bifurcation of united AP State and can even modify these without bringing them before the Legislature.
This provision would be in force for a period of two years from the date of formation of the state. Thereafter, any further amendment to any law should have the Legislature’s nod.
According to a senior TS law department official, there are roughly 340 to 360 laws that existed before division of the state and the Telangana state government has so far amended around 35 Acts, concerning various departments.
Notable among these are amendments to law regarding appointment of V-Cs. “There is a committee comprising senior secretaries of the government. Whenever there is a demand for amending an Act, the Committee takes a decision on approving it. If approved, the amendment is published in the government Gazette,” the official said.
However, though not required by law, the Telangana state government has decided to bring a compendium of the adaptations and modifications it has brought in, to the notice of the Legislature in the coming Budget session.
“Since there are many who are not aware of amendments and still think that all such amendments will be brought before the Legislature, we plan to bring out a brochure on these and place it in the Legislature for their information,” the Law department official told Deccan Chronicle.
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