RS adjourned for 30 mins as oppn objects to Bill introduction

 Rajya Sabha was today adjourned for 30 minutes after CPI-M and BJP opposed introduction of a bill to set up an agriculture university in Bundelkhand saying the Centre does not have powers to incorporate a university.

When Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar sought leave to introduce the Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University Bill, 2011, P Rajeeve (CPI-M) rose to state that as per Union List, the Central Government has no right to bring a legislation for incorporation of a university.

Pawar cited precedence of central agriculture university in Imphal to say that the Central government had the powers to do so.

"Constitutional provisions cannot be replaced by a precedence," Rajeeve said, adding as per entry number 44 in the Union List, Schedule 7 of the Constitution, incorporation of a university was under jurisdiction of the state government.

He found support in the BJP who also demanded that the government withdraw the bill.

Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said the Concurrent List gives Centre the power to legislate on technical, medical, vocational institutions and universities.

Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan said Rajeeve should have given prior notice of his objection to the introduction of the Bill.