(a) whether the Government of Karnataka had forwarded a proposal for restoration of cycle of retirement of Biennial Elections to the State Legislative Council from the Local Authorities Constituencies in March, 1994 to the Central Government;
(b) Whether the proposal is still pending with the Central Government for consideration;
(c) if so, the reasons for delay; and
(d) the time by which a decision in this regard is likely to be taken?
MINISTER OF LAW, JUSTICE & COMPANY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)
(a) and (b): Yes, Sir.
(c) and (d): The proposal for restoration of cycle of retirement in respect of biennial elections to the State Legislative Councils has been under consideration of successive Governments since 1991 as part of agenda on reform of electoral laws. In view of the practical difficulties existing in the way of implementation of such a proposal on account of unavailability of the electoral colleges consisting of local authorities constituencies due to various reasons, in the States having Legislative Councils, it has not been possible to concretize a feasible remedy in this regard. Hence, no time frame can be given for implementing this proposal.