Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday expressed concern over “continuous ruckus” and “pre-planned disruptions” during proceedings in Parliament and state assemblies.
“The way in which dignity and decency are decreasing inside Houses is a cause of worry. We all need to collectively think about this. We need to make the assemblies the places for discussions and debates,” he said while addressing the Assam legislative assembly during a day-long visit.
There should be agreements and disagreements, but the expectations of the public should be reflected in the Houses, Birla said, adding that elected representatives should also articulate the ideologies they represent.
“Obstructing proceedings in a pre-planned manner and not allowing the House to function is not part of our democratic traditions. It is my appeal to you to make the state assemblies centres of good debate and discussions, but not turn them into centres of ruckus.” The speaker said he has raised the issue in Lok Sabha and discussed it with leaders of all parties.
Birla also launched the Assam Legislative Assembly Digital TV at a programme in the central hall of the legislature.
Addressing legislators, Birla said that governments come and go, but the responsibility of strengthening and upholding the traditions of democracy lies with them. He also urged elected representatives to set a good precedent in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies so that it percolates down to panchayats and municipalities. “On the 75th anniversary of our Independence, we need to make efforts to uphold the dignity of our democracy with high-level discussions and debates. I am hopeful we will all work collectively towards that goal.”
Stating that pluralism and diversity give strength to India’s democracy, Birla added that despite diverse cultures, languages, food habits and dress, democracy has kept Indians united.
{{/usCountry}}Stating that pluralism and diversity give strength to India’s democracy, Birla added that despite diverse cultures, languages, food habits and dress, democracy has kept Indians united.
{{/usCountry}}“Citizens have been kept at the centre of our election process. Today, we can take pride that elections in our democracy are impartial and unquestionable. That is why after 17 general elections and over 300 assembly polls, the smooth transfer of power has been the strength of our democracy,” he said.
“We have seen that in some democracies across the world, smooth transfer of power does not always happen. It is the strength of our constitution due to which we can say with pride that we believe in governments elected by the people,” the speaker added.