UP guv withholds nod to controversial ordinance, sends to Prez

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik today referred to the President a controversial ordinance approved by the state government after he refused to give nod to two bills to curtail financial and administrative powers of mayors and chairpersons of urban local bodies.
The Uttar Pradesh Urban Local Self-Government Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2016 was cleared by the state cabinet on October 17 and sent to the Governor on October 28 for his assent.
"The Governor after review of the draft found that it was not only against the autonomous character of Nagar Nigam (municipal corporation) and Nagar Palika (municipal council) but also against constitutional provisions," a release issued by governor said.

It said the Governor has referred the proposed legislation to the President.
The draft ordinance proposes to give the right of appointment of officers and employees in different categories from mayors and Nagar Palika chairmen to the state government and directors of local bodies.
The proposed law is the brainchild of UP Urban Development Minister Azam Khan, who had drafted it after the governor refused to give his nod to two bills with similar provisions.
Khan, who is also UP Parliamentary Affairs Minister, had earlier blamed UP Raj Bhawan for keeping on hold the bill that allows action against mayors.