ISLAMABAD, February 14, 2014: The Provincial Assembly of Punjab passed the Punjab Finance (Amendment) Bill, 2014 amidst walkout of opposition on Friday during sixth sitting of ongoing 6th session of the House, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.
The provincial minister for law introduced the bill and moved the House to consider it at once and pass. But the opposition protested against the hasty passage and walked out from the House till the approval of bill. The bill was brought to postpone the enforcement of the amendments in the provisions of Punjab Immovable Property Tax Act 1958 and Punjab Finance Act 1972. Another bill included in the agenda was not taken up.
Under the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab 1997, the regular agenda items were to be put aside to consider the Finance Bill, however, a member moved the House to take up questions and adjournment motions as the time was ample. The motion was carried.
The parliamentary secretary of Services and General Administration Department responded to ten of the 33 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) while members asked 22 supplementary questions. Moreover, a question was deferred on request of the mover while seven were disposed off and rests were not taken up.
A PTI lawmaker pointed out the quorum and the bells were rung for five minutes after which the proceedings resumed.
The members raised four points of order consuming five minutes of the proceedings.
Following are some key observations of the Parliamentary business:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:
- The Punjab Assembly met for an hours and 34 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1125 hours against the scheduled time of 0900 hours, witnessing a delay of two hours and 25 minutes.
- One Hundred and fifteen members were present at the start while a maximum 137 at the time of adjournment.
- The Speaker chaired the entire sitting while Deputy Speaker was absent.
- The Chief Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 47 minutes.
- The parliamentary leader of PPPP attended the sitting.
- Three minority members were present.
- No member applied for the leave.
Output
- The Provincial Assembly of Punjab passed the Punjab Finance (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The provincial minister for law introduced the bill and moved the House to consider it at once and pass. The bill was brought to postpone the enforcement of the amendments in the provisions of Punjab Immovable Property Tax Act 1958 and Punjab Finance Act 1972. Another bill included in the agenda was not taken up.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The parliamentary secretary of Services and General Administration Department responded to ten of the 33 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) while members asked 22 supplementary questions. Moreover, a question was deferred on request of the mover while seven were disposed off and rests were not taken up.
- The House deferred three adjournment motions.
Order and Institutionalization
- The members raised four points of order consuming five minutes of the proceedings.
- A PTI lawmaker pointed out the quorum and the bells were rung for five minutes after which the proceedings resumed.
- Under the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab 1997, the regular agenda items were to be put aside to consider the Finance Bill, however, a member moved the House to take up questions and adjournment motions as the time was ample. The motion was carried.
- The members belonging to opposition parties walked out against the hasty passage of Punjab Finance (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and stayed away till the approval of bill.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was unavailable to observers and the public.
The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization, a member organization of FAFEN
