Chandigarh, August 9: Congress legislator Sukhpinder Singh Khaira has urged the Punjab government and Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to extend the assembly session for a few more days. This extension would allow for thorough examination and debate on six bills proposed for discussion on the final day.
Khaira stated that six bills are set to be introduced in the house on Monday, including those related to three digital universities, Goods and Services Tax (GST), outsourced employees, contract appointments, and common infrastructure.
In a statement, he expressed concern, saying, “How can six new laws, which will have far-reaching effects on Punjab, be properly examined and debated on the last working day of the assembly session? This is not meaningful parliamentary democracy. The government should provide legislators with adequate time to study the bills, consult stakeholders, and propose amendments in the public interest.”
He questioned the wisdom of introducing such significant laws at the last minute when legislators have little opportunity to scrutinize the details, understand their implications, or seek clarifications from relevant departments.
Khaira emphasized, “The assembly is not a rubber stamp for the cabinet. The purpose of the legislature is to examine every provision of the law, debate its merits and demerits, and protect the interests of the people of Punjab. Rushing to pass six bills just because tomorrow is the last working day reduces the legislative process to mere formality.”
He reminded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government that laws are not temporary political announcements. “Once enacted, they will affect Punjab’s institutions, economy, employees, students, businesses, and citizens for years to come.”
Khaira specifically criticized the haste to introduce three different digital university bills alongside other major legislative proposals at the end of the assembly session. He urged the state government to clarify why these matters were not brought to the house earlier for adequate discussion.
He concluded, “Punjab has already suffered greatly due to poorly thought-out and rushed decisions. Laws cannot be hastily made for Punjab’s future. If the government truly believes these bills are in Punjab’s interest, it should have no hesitation in extending the session and allowing for full and meaningful debate.”
He appealed to Speaker Sandhwan to uphold the dignity and supremacy of the legislature, emphasizing that significant bills should be given sufficient time for discussion rather than being rushed through to fulfill the government’s legislative agenda.
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