Minority Commission bill referred to select commitee
PTI, PANAJI | 06 August 2012 23:04 IST
Claiming that the Bill introduced to form 'Goa Minority Commission' needs further discussion, the Goa government today referred it to the select committee of the state Legislative Assembly.
The Bill was introduced by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the House on August 2, aiming to form the commission with the judicial powers under its belt.
BJP legislator Nilesh Cabral today demanded on the floor of the House that there should be proper debate on the Bill.
Parrikar agreed to refer the Bill to select committee of the House, headed by him.
The commission was expected to evaluate the progress and the development of minorities in the state and monitor the safeguards provided in the Constitution of India and in laws enacted by Parliament and the Goa Assembly.
Once formed, the commission would look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguard of the minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
"The Commission will conduct studies, research and analysis on issues related to socio-economic and educational development of minorities," the statement of the Bill reads.
It will also suggest appropriate measures in respect of any minorities to be undertaken by the government.
The commission would have all the powers of civil court trying a suit.
It can also summon and enforce attendance of any person from any part of the state and examine him under an oath.
The Bill seeks to give rights to the commission to make periodical or special reports to the government on any matter pertaining to minorities and in particular the difficulties confronted by them.
The commission can also accept matters referred to it by the state government and National Commission for Minorities.
