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This is an archive article published on July 16, 2004
ST panel tenure won146;t be extended
The change of guard at the Centre has seen the upset of yet another body perceived to be a BJP remnant 8212; the Cabinet today decided not ...
The change of guard at the Centre has seen the upset of yet another body perceived to be a BJP remnant 8212; the Cabinet today decided not to extend the tenure of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission even though its report remains incomplete.
After a heated debate on Monday, the UPA Government deferred a decision on extending the Commission8217;s tenure, which ends on July 16. Although, the panel had sought extension until March to submit the report and two more months for winding up the commission, the Ministry of Social Justice felt it should be given four months to close its office.
Cabinet members suggested that a new Commission be set up later to complete the unfinished agenda. Though its tenure is fixed for a year, the present panel had got a fresh lease of life during BJP rule.
The Government views the panel, set up in July 2002, as dominated by BJP supporters. Of the 11 members, five are considered to be close to the previous NDA government. Its chairman 8212; Dileep Singh Bhuria 8212; is a former MP who has also served as BJP vice-president. Other political appointees are Prof Mei Jin Lung Kamson, B.D. Damore, Prof Diwakar Minz and Kunwar Singh Fulji Valvi, said Commission officials.
The panel, supposed to be set up once every 10 years, has to give an outline of a vision for the future and suggest policies, programmes and constitutional safeguards for the scheduled tribe to the President.
Till late evening, Commission members were huddled in a meeting to decide whether or not to submit whatever they had collated.
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