No spectrum JPC, says govt

Kapil Sibal takes additional charge of telecom.

Ruling out a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe various corruption charges, the UPA leadership will meet various political parties on Tuesday to break the impasse in the functioning of Parliament.

The government today also announced that Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal would take additional charge of the telecom portfolio. A full-time Cabinet minister for telecom is likely to be announced as part of a reshuffle following the winter session of Parliament, possibly after January 14.

Even as a determined Opposition stalled Parliament proceedings for yet another day, demanding a JPC into the 2G spectrum issue, the government cited technical and political reasons for not setting one up.

“After being tabled in the House, the CAG report will go to the public accounts committee (PAC), which is headed by a leader of the Opposition party. It is technically a permanent JPC created by Parliament. So, why should a separate JPC be formed?” Finance Minister and Lok Sabha Leader Pranab Mukherjee told reporters.

“If somebody gets up and says I demand your head, he certainly can’t be obliged,” Mukherjee said in his inimitable style, adding: “JPC for what? The issue is already being investigated by several government agencies like the CBI, tax department and Enforcement Directorate.”
 

HOUSE DIVIDED

# Full-time minister for telecom in reshuffle likely after Jan 14

# Govt cites technical, political reasons for not setting up JPC

# FM will meet party leaders on Tue to clear House impasse

However, Mukherjee has invited over two dozen leaders of various opposition parties for a luncheon meeting on Tuesday to clear the impasse.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal refuted the Opposition’s view that only a JPC could summon anyone to inquire into the matter. “The PAC or any parliamentary committee can call anybody for inquiries, just like a JPC,” the minister argued.

When asked if the government would form a JPC on the CWG scam, Mukherjee replied in the negative and posed a counter-question, “During the six years of NDA rule, how many JPCs did they form? Only two! One was on security exchange-related issues, involving money routes in Mauritius, and the second on the issue of pesticides in soft drinks. They didn’t even agree to form a JPC on the Tehelka issue (where several leaders, including then BJP president Bangaru Laxman, were caught on camera taking bribes). How can they ask for a JPC now?”

An adamant Opposition has so far disrupted the House on the issue of corruption and no business has been transacted in more than a week since the winter session started.

Mukherjee also ruled out any statement from the Prime Minister on the removal of Raja. “Since 1950, so many ministers have come and gone. Can you show any precedence where the prime minister has issued a statement after the resignation of his colleague? If Raja wants, he can make a statement in the House.”