Goa politicians rage as police bill is held up by Centre

The Goa government may not succeed in its plan to partially privatise the police force a la Singapore as the Goa Police Bill, passed by the state assembly four months ago, is yet to receive the governor's assent.

Governor Dr P C Alexander has referred the matter to the Union home ministry to examine the constitutional validity of the bill. "I have sent it to the authority concerned for further examination," he said.

The bill was unanimously passed by the Goa assembly on March 31. However, it was discussed again during the monsoon session and the dispute between the treasury and Opposition members led to the assembly being adjourned.

Dr Alexander, it is believed, was upset with the behaviour of the members during the debate and the speaker, Tomazinho Cardoz, who allowed the assembly to discuss the governor's conduct. Members had alleged that the governor was delaying the bill when in reality it was the Union law ministry -- ironically headed by a Goan, Ramakant Khalap -- which held up the bill for over two months.

Allegations were also made in the assembly that the governor was taking the House for granted and that the bill was not given assent due to pressure from the Union home ministry. The governor, however, claims that the home ministry became aware of the bill only after the assembly was adjourned.

Trade unions and non-governmental organisations in Goa are up in arms over the bill which proposes to set up an auxiliary police force and an honorary police force, which give private security personnel policing powers. "It is meant to suppress the working class struggles," alleges Christopher Fonseca, a trade union leader belonging to the Communist Party of India.

Home Minister Indrajit Gupta, at a May Day rally in Panaji, had appealed to the public to wage a statewide agitation against such anti-people provisions in the bill.

Kashinath Jhalmi, the state Opposition leader, has since moved a breach of privilege motion against Gupta, and even questioned the minister's authority in stalling the bill.

The bill also faces objections from Indian Administrative Service officers because it shifts power from them to the police. Dr Alexander, however, disclaims the allegation that the IAS has stalled the bill.

The governor is, however, silent on the controversial provisions for an auxiliary police force and honorary police force. "I have my own views on the subject," he says.

The provisions were included in the bill after Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane, along with Jhalmi and other legislators, made a special trip to Singapore to study the police system there and incorporate certain provisions to promote tourism in the state.