TRS MP Bura Narasaiah Goud introduces 3 private bills in the Lok Sabha
Hyderabad: Bhongir TRS MP Bura Narasaiah Goud on Friday introduced three private member Bills in the Lok Sabha, including one on Constitution Amendment seeking independence for the State Election Commissions for holding elections without depending upon state governments.
Mr Goud moved the Bill (Amendments to the Constitution 243K and 243ZA) stating that state governments often delay Panchayat elections on purely political considerations. They do so since they retain some powers relating to the conduct of elections under the State Acts and Rules.
SECs have to depend upon the state governments for logistic support, including staff and finances. Besides certain important powers like issuance of election notification, delimitation of constituencies, earmarking of reserved seats etc. are retained by the governments in many states. Considering all these, there is a strong case for strengthening the SECs by making specific provision in the Constitution itself, he said.
In another Bill, Mr Goud sought total ban on surrogate advertising of liquor, tobacco and other harmful products to prohibit sponsorship of sports and cultural events either directly or indirectly by these manufacturers.
In the statement of objects and reasons, he stated that the government has banned product advertising for liquor and cigarette companies under the Cable Television Network (regulation) Act, 1995. Rule 7 of the Act prohibits any direct or indirect promotion of such items in the public domain, but manufacturers still promote their harmful products through surrogate advertisements.
He also introduced a Bill seeking setting up a National Commission for the senior citizens, by bringing amendment to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007.
Introducing the Bill, the MP said senior citizens do require independence, participation, care. Self-fulfillment and dignity in all respects and setting up of a national commission with powers and funds can able to fulfil these.
