Milma ordinance: Governor to seek explanation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan will seek an explanation from the government on the amendment ordinance that allows nominated members to vote for the Milma governing council.

The ordinance, which was approved by the cabinet on May 6, has not been signed by the governor even after a month. The governor is skeptical that the ordinance has been given a retroactive effect from March 2021. Even if the government responds, he may ask the co-operation minister to come forward and give an explanation.

The ordinance to set up a recruitment board for appointments in public sector undertakings was approved by the governor after Minister P Rajeev personally explained it.

If the cabinet decides to convene the assembly, then the ordinance cannot be passed. The convening of the Legislature may be extended until the ordinance is approved.

The government says the amendment ordinance is meant to prevent dairy groups that do not have a president from losing their right to vote. If the ordinance is approved, the administrator and the nominated member will have the right to vote in groups ruled by an administrator or an administrative committee instead of the president.

The Congress had approached the High Court alleging that the voting of 56 administrators in Milma's Thiruvananthapuram union election was illegal. The government brought in the ordinance to amend the law while the case was pending before the court.