The Ghulam Nabi Azad government today introduced a bill in the Legislative Assembly for amending the J-K Constitution to further tighten the anti-defection law and limit the ministry’s size to 20 per cent of the total strength of both Houses. The existing limit is five per cent more than what is allowed by the central law on ministry size.The bill comes at a time when ruling PDP and JKNPP, as well as the main Opposition party, National Conference are facing dissensions. There are 12 ministers in the Azad-led government and if the bill is passed, he can increase the number of his ministers to 24 (excluding Chief Minister).The CM had already made it clear that he was firm on having a small ministry. The previous Mufti-led coalition had 38 ministers. ‘‘The anti-defection bill is to thwart the moves of all those politicians who always seek greener pastures,’’ Azad later told mediapersons.The existing law allows defection of 1/3rd of the members. After the amendment, the rule will apply even in case of any split. Discussion on the bill will be held tomorrow as the House today agreed to extend the period of the special session by a day.‘‘A proviso is proposed to be incorporated in the said schedule which will leave it to the Chairman or the Speaker to decide whether the leader of the legislative party has incurred disqualification under the 7th Schedule,’’ the bill states. The CM had called a meeting of the Cabinet this morning to discuss all aspects of the clubbed bill and seek approval. Sources said that the government decided to introduce the bill after the NC gave the green signal to the government.Two-thirds majority is needed to pass the bill as it is a Constitution Amendment bill. Sources said that both the government and the opposition had reached an agreement on the issue and there would be no hurdles in passing the clubbed anti-defection and downsizing of ministry bill.‘‘Our party has always been against defection.,’’ said leader of opposition A R Rather.Power shortage: Govt bans use of heaters from January 1JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the use of heaters in the state from January 1, 2006, to tide over power shortage in the state.Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad made this announcement in the Assembly on Wednesday and asked his ministers and officers to begin these measures at homes. ‘‘I have asked the officials to conduct raids along with the police force to check the use of heaters and electricity theft,’’ said Azad. He also announced that the Pampore Gas Turbine will generate an additional 75 MW electricity from tomorrow. It will cost the government Rs 13 per unit. ‘‘The Centre has agreed to provide us with Rs 5 crore to buy diesel,’’ said Azad. —ENS
