New Delhi: Highlighting that it is natural to have differences in a democracy, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said that these differences should be resolved through dialogue and discussion. “There should be no attempt to disrupt the proceedings of the House to register a protest on any issue, as this gives a wrong message to the public that instead of addressing people’s concerns, public representatives are wasting the precious time of the House. There should be agreement and disagreement in the House, but there should be no disturbance and noise,” said Birla while inaugurating an orientation programme for members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in the Parliament complex.
Birla said that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly is counted among the most disciplined Assemblies in the country where the dignity and prestige of the House have been maintained through meaningful debates. Expressing the view that it is unfair to disrupt the proceedings of the House in a planned manner, he called upon the people's representatives to conduct themselves in the House in such a way that a message goes to the country that the issues facing the nation are seriously discussed in the House with commitment and concern.
Stating that Indian democracy is the largest functioning democracy in the world, Birla opined that democratic traditions and values are symbols of India's cultural heritage. “Tolerance, respect for each other despite political differences, peaceful co-existence and resolving issues based on democratic values have been an integral part of India's identity and Indian political ideology for centuries,” Birla said.
He noted that our legislatures are seen as ideals all over the world and our legislature is seen as the highest forum for democratic debate, so the people's representative should behave with discipline and decorum. It is not appropriate to stop the proceedings of the House for political gains, emphasised Birla.
“Under the existing framework of rules, procedures and conventions of the House, a Member can effectively raise issues of public importance, highlight public problems and demand their redressal and have a meaningful impact on policy making. While criticising the government or drawing the attention of the government to any issue, the Members should not disrupt the proceedings of the House in a coordinated and pre-planned manner,” he said.
Emphasising making rules related to laws within the stipulated time, Birla suggested that the Rules Committee of Assemblies should meet regularly, review the rules and ensure that the rules and acts are amended as per the demand of time. “The effect of legislation should be studied and reviewed by the Legislative Assemblies,” Birla said.
Speaking on the importance of Parliamentary Committees, Birla said that Parliamentary Committees make important recommendations and their reports are very relevant. He suggested the members study these reports for their capacity building. Birla also suggested strengthening the Research Division of the Legislatures. “Work is being done in the direction to ensure that the debates of all Assemblies and libraries of all Assemblies are available on a single digital platform,” he informed.
