On the demand of financial autonomy to the state legislature, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today announced that he would in principle agree to grant ‘financial autonomy’ to the state assembly.
The 83rd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference solemnly resolved for the realization of financial autonomy in managing the affairs of State Legislatures and the chairperson AIPOC should be authorized to conduct wide ranging consultations with the state governments.
Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Dr C P Joshi said that the Chief Minister at the valedictory session of AIPOC assured that if the state Vidhan Sabha makes any proposal to the government, it would be given a welcome, positive response and right angle.
Gehlot recalled that in 1964, the same kind of proposal of financial autonomy was made by the Lok Sabha, and the Central government approved it.
Gehlot said the Central government should start a medical insurance scheme on the pattern of Rajasthan’s Chiranjeevi Health Scheme with a cover of Rs 10 lakh cashless for terminal illness patients, implement Right to Health Act, Social Security Act, and Old Pension Scheme for all employees.
Later at a press conference, Dr Joshi expressed his thanks to the Chief Minister for accepting his proposal, saying that a draft proposal will be prepared and would be sent to the government.