Cutting across party lines, Rajya Sabha members on Tuesday criticised the government of being in “tearing hurry” to pass the Education Tribunal Bill, 2010, thus forcing government to defer the bill till next Parliament Session. Human Resources Development (HRD) minister Kapil Sibal tried hard to persuade members as why the bill was important but criticism against the bill including from senior Congress leader Mr K. Keshava Rao, led to it deferment.
After the House got adjourned sine die, Mr Sibal met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to apprise him on the issue and is also likely to put the record straight on the issue to Congress chief Mrs Sonia Gandhi, sources said. According to Congress sources those MPs who are opposing the bill have interest in educational institutions. Mr Sibal, it was learnt, has also made it clear that he will not withdraw the bill.
Meanwhile, in Rajya Sabha after the bill met stiff resistance from the Opposition members, Mr Sibal said: “Considering the sentiments of honourable members of this House, I request that the consideration of the bill be deferred to the next session.” But he added that he disagreed with the apprehensions expressed by the Opposition saying, “We are not in anyway infringing upon the rights of the states. It’s a significant piece of legislation and if members want a larger debate, we have no problem.”
The bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha last week, seeks to create a mechanism for providing speedy resolution of disputes pertaining to higher education institutions.
The House also witnessed angry scenes when Mr Sibal’s statement that he is ready to “bow down” if there was any “substance” in the Opposition. Irked by the remark, BJP and BSP members were on their feet demanding the minister to withdraw the remarks which forced Mr Sibal to apologise if his remarks “cast any aspersion on any member”.
Congress member Mr K. Keshava Rao , who had earlier said that “this kind of hasty legislation does not augur well” later said he was not opposed to the Bill.
“I supported the bill,” the Congress member said when opposition members pointed out that even Congress member had reservation against the bill. Mr Rao even said that he welcomes the “reformist approach of the minister.”