Oppn protests short time givn to panel on ancient sites bill

Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha today opposed the time allotted for a proposed select committee to submit its report on a bill to amend the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act and said it should be taken up in the next session.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the select committee cannot submit its report by August 3, which was being proposed by the government.

The panel has to consult experts and all stakeholders, he said, adding that the bill should be taken up for passage in the next session.

While the existing law prohibits construction in 'prohibited areas' even if it was for public purposes, the bill amends this provision to permit construction of public works in such areas for public purposes, among other things.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said the government was willing to extend time limit for a few days. He also said that the issue of representation of opposition members in the panel would also be looked into.

To this, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asked the government and the opposition to "re-work, discuss and come (back to the House) tommorow".

Earlier this week, the Congress and other opposition parties had demanded that this Bill be sent to a select committee of the Rajya Sabha.