Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998, was enacted to provide facilities to the leaders and chief whips of recognized parties and groups in Parliament. This act aims to ensure that these key parliamentary figures have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively. The Act does not specify a particular ministry; however, it falls under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in India.
Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998, was enacted on January 7, 1999. The Act is structured into 5 sections, without specific chapters. These sections outline the definitions, facilities, rule-making powers, and amendments to other acts.
Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the provisions outlined within its sections. It defines “recognized group” and “recognized party” and specifies that leaders and chief whips of such groups and parties are entitled to telephone and secretarial facilities. The Act also outlines the power of the Central Government to make rules for its implementation.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998, is applicable to the leaders, deputy leaders, and chief whips of recognized parties and recognized groups in both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act does not specify any penalties or punishments for non-compliance. However, it outlines the conditions under which leaders and chief whips of recognized parties and groups are entitled to receive the specified telephone and secretarial facilities.
Important Pointers:
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The Act defines “recognized group” and “recognized party” based on the numerical strength of parties in each House of Parliament.
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It entitles leaders, deputy leaders, and chief whips of recognized parties and groups to telephone and secretarial facilities.
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The Act specifies that these facilities are not provided to those who hold ministerial positions or the office of the Leader of the Opposition.
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It excludes those who are already entitled to similar facilities by virtue of other offices or positions.
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The Central Government is empowered to make rules for carrying out the provisions of the Act.
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The Act also amends the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959, to include the offices of leaders and deputy leaders of recognized parties and groups as offices not disqualifying their holders from being Members of Parliament.
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The Act ensures that key parliamentary figures in recognized parties and groups have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.
Act Copy: