A delegation of Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab led by senior leader and Head, Legal Cell AAP, Himmat Singh Shergill on Wednesday made a formal complaint to the Chief Electoral officer, Punjab about the unconstitutional appointment of 24 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries by SAD-BJP government. The delegation demanded immediate disqualification of these CPSs.Shergill said that the appointment of these 24 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries is a violation of the Constitution of India. As the article 191 of the Constitution of India says that the member of state legislature will be disqualified if any office of profit is held by such member of state legislature under Government of India or Government of any state.The leader said that these 24 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries are unconstitutional burden on the public exchequer as they are being given salaries and other perks more than M.L.As of Punjab. Every CPS in Punjab gets more than 1 Lakh per month as salary and an official vehicle with a choice of Toyota Fortuner of Toyota Camry. The CPS can claim LTC up to Rs. 3 per annum with the facility of free water and electricity. They also get official accommodation in Sector 39 (Minister’s houses) in Chandigarh and if staying in their own house the CPSs get Rs. 50000 as house rent allowance.
Shergill said that the financial condition of Punjab is in bad shape and farmers are committing suicide, in that time spending the money unnecessarily on these Chief Parliamentary Secretaries is a cruel joke with the people of the state.“More than the perks and other facilities being given to these Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, the government needs to spend this money for welfare of the people of state. The government must use this money to give salaries to its employees. So we demand the immediate disqualification of these unconstitutionally appointed Chief Parliamentary Secretaries in Punjab.” Shergill said.Talking about the allegations of Akali-BJP leaders about the Delhi government Chief Parliamentary Secretaries getting perks, Shergill said that Delhi CPSs get no official car, house, rent allowance, official accommodation or salary from the government. They are working as the volunteers helping in the work of Ministers. “Akali-BJP and Congress leaders have no moral right to talk about this issue as their own CPSs in many states are enjoying govt perks while Delhi CPSs are working for the welfare of people without getting any additional money.” Shergill added.