New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday inaugurated an orientation programme for members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in the Parliament complex.
Speaking on the occasion, 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 has been maintained through meaningful debates. Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A Sangma was present on the occasion, Lok Sabha Secretariat communiqué said.
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 on the basis of democratic values have been an integral part of India’s identity and Indian political ideology for centuries, felt Birla.
Referring to the parliamentary process, Birla observed that it is natural to have differences in a democracy, but these differences should be resolved through dialogue and discussion. 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, it said.
There should be agreement, disagreement in the House, but there should be no disturbance and noise, stressed Birla.
It is not appropriate to stop the proceedings of the House for political gains, emphasized Birla. He mentioned that 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, it added.
He further said that while criticizing 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.
Emphasizing on 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.
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.
Earlier, Sangma thanked Birla for organizing the orientation programme and expressed hope that it would help in capacity building of the Members.
