Modi draws NGOs' ire over new Bills

Newly proposed laws show him as 'autocratic' Ahmedabad (PTI): NGOs and human rights groups have criticised Gujarat BJP government over newly-introduced Bills, especially the one related to Lokayukta. Four organisations have collectively voiced opposition against some recently introduced Bills in the Assembly and said the proposed laws show the Narendra Modi government as "autocratic" and "anti-people". The four - Lok Andolan Gujarat, Gujarat Lok Samiti, People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and All India Save Education Committee - singled out Lokayukta Aayog Bill, Gujarat Universities Law (Amendments) Bill and the Irrigation and Drainage Act for criticism. "Instead of implementing the existing Gujarat Lokayukta Act, the State Government has introduced Lokayukta Aayog Bill which aims to curtail Governor's powers (in appointment of anti-corruption ombudsman)," PUCL Working President Prakash Shah told reporters here. "The Lokayukta Aayog Bill is a gimmick and bestows arbitrary powers with the State Government," Shah added. The Gujarat Universities Laws (Amendments) Bill infringes on autonomy of the universities and allows the State Government to appoint Vice-Chancellors in all varsities, said the activists associated with these groups. The Gujarat Irrigation and Drainage Act, 2013, which received the Governor's assent yesterday, is an "anti-farmer" law and is draconian in nature," they claimed.