In News

The Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside the appointment of four MLAs as chief parliamentary secretaries in the Manohar Lal Khattar government.

Issues

Court’s verdict came on a petition filed in public interest by challenging the appointments.

• Under the constitution there was no provision for the post of chief parliamentary secretaries and their appointment.
• Besides being unconstitutional, it was a burden on the State exchequer and the taxpayer.

States View

The chief parliamentary secretaries were appointed to assist Ministers in public interest in view of their varied duties.

Parliamentary Secretary vs Article 164 (1A)

Parliamentary secretary post is in contradiction to Article 164 (1A) of the Constitution which provides for limiting the number of Ministers in the State Cabinets to 15% of the total number of members of the State Legislative Assembly.

Source : The Hindu

GS III : Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.