Centre sought clarifications, did not return Chit Fund Bill: Mamata

Amid reports that the Centre has returned the anti-chitfund Bill, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that some clarifications have been sought on the bill sent for presidential assent.

"The Centre did not return the Bill. The Bill is absolutely okay.

"The Centre only asked for clarifications on three points.

"They can seek such clarifications. It is their prerogative," Banerjee told reporters following reports in a section of the media that it was returned.

The three points on which clarifications are sought include widening of powers of special designated courts and that no court could grant anticipatory bail and a suggestion by the Centre for adding a new provision for compounding offences.

Banerjee said no clarification was sought on the clause that allowed retrospective effect.

"We held a meeting today and agreed to all the three points made by the Centre.

"We are sending our reply today. We hope that the Centre will not create any delay and send the Bill which we had sent for presidential assent," she said.

The West Bengal Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Bill, 2013 formulated by the Trinamool Congress government was passed in the state Assembly on April 30 following the Saradha chitfund scam.

Slamming criticism by the Left and Congress, she said her government was alert and had passed the Bill promptly in the wake of Saradha chitfund scam.

"They unleashed propaganda.

"Those who are resorting to such false propaganda should speak only after knowing it," she said.

Image: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee