Goa Government’s notification issued on January 7 giving lifetime Cabinet status to Pratapsingh Rane is absolutely illegal, patently unconstitutional without jurisdiction and a very blatant disgusting abuse of power.
This unprecedented lifetime cabinet status is an unwarranted heavy financial burden on the State exchequer as by virtue of this cabinet status Pratapsingh Rane is entitled to over a dozen staff besides an official car, office and all other benefits on par with a Cabinet Minister.
Bestowing this lifetime cabinet status is a fraud on the Constitution of India as it violates the spirit and intent of the 91st amendment to the Constitution meant to restrict the size of the Cabinet. It is a known fact that this lifetime cabinet status has been accorded hurriedly and without application of mind by this government with vested political motives.
This personal handout at the expense of the taxpayer is not based on any laid down criteria under the Constitution but instead is a golden handshake for favours received or in anticipation thereof by the ruling party. It is appalling that despite the State coffers being empty, the government has granted this lifetime cabinet status to Pratapsingh Rane.
