Oppn creates controversy out of none: Naidu

As opposition parties have put Rajya Sabha proceedings on a halt over appointment of chairpersons for SC/ST & backward commissions, the Centre attacked opposition members for indulging in cheap disinformation campaign on functioning of constitutional bodies and resorting to disruption of the Upper House out of fear of losing out in the debate.

The delay in appointment of heads of backward commissions is not happening for the first time as holding-up the selection process was rampant in Congress-led UPA government.

"It was the UPA government that nominated the head of the second Commission for SCs after a gap of nine months when the tenure of Suraj Bhan came to an end on August 6, 2006. The next chairman was appointed on May 25, 2007," said an official note released from Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

The delay in appointment of third chairman for STs panel was five months as PL Punia was selected for the post on October 15, 2010 after Buta Singh left the post on May 24, 2010.

Interestingly, re-selection of Punia to head the panel took seven days to UPA government after his first tenure got over on October 14, 2013 as he was re-nominated on October 22, 2013. The decision to appoint new NCSC chairman has not yet been finalised by the government.