Jaipur: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called for stricter action against assembly members who don’t participate in debates and obstruct House proceedings. Delivering the valedictory address at the 83rd All India Presiding Officers Conference at the assembly on Thursday, Birla said. “The pre-planned disruptions are not good for democracy. The presiding officers must prepare an action plan to act against the members who continuously obstruct the proceedings of the House. The dignity of the House shouldn’t be diminished.”
Emphasising that the proceedings of the House should run smoothly during the discussions, especially during the question hour, he said, “The state assemblies should make provisions that public representatives who participate in good debates and discussions be encouraged as it will bring discipline in the House proceedings.”
Further talking about the productive discussions in the legislative bodies, Birla said, “There is a need to increase the number of business days in every assembly, proper use of technology and greater engagement among the legislatures on public issues. The message should be clear to people that their hopes and aspirations will be fulfilled through legislatures,” said Birla.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary committees, he said legislative bodies have an excellent tradition of working irrespective of party lines. “These committees act as small parliament. It can play a constructive role in reviewing government policies and programmes and ensuring accountability of the executive,” said Birla.
Calling for the need of having a digital platform for legislative assemblies to share the best practices, Birla said, “We have taken a commitment to regularly review the practices and rules of our bodies. The best practices will be shared on the platform while working on uniformity of rules and procedures in legislatures.”
Referring to India’s G20 presidency, Birla said this is an opportunity to tell the world about India’s democracy. “Is the time that we can showcase the rich tradition of governance to the world,” said Birla, adding that they have passed nine resolutions to make democracy more accountable, participatory and meaningful.
Emphasising that the proceedings of the House should run smoothly during the discussions, especially during the question hour, he said, “The state assemblies should make provisions that public representatives who participate in good debates and discussions be encouraged as it will bring discipline in the House proceedings.”
Further talking about the productive discussions in the legislative bodies, Birla said, “There is a need to increase the number of business days in every assembly, proper use of technology and greater engagement among the legislatures on public issues. The message should be clear to people that their hopes and aspirations will be fulfilled through legislatures,” said Birla.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary committees, he said legislative bodies have an excellent tradition of working irrespective of party lines. “These committees act as small parliament. It can play a constructive role in reviewing government policies and programmes and ensuring accountability of the executive,” said Birla.
Calling for the need of having a digital platform for legislative assemblies to share the best practices, Birla said, “We have taken a commitment to regularly review the practices and rules of our bodies. The best practices will be shared on the platform while working on uniformity of rules and procedures in legislatures.”
Referring to India’s G20 presidency, Birla said this is an opportunity to tell the world about India’s democracy. “Is the time that we can showcase the rich tradition of governance to the world,” said Birla, adding that they have passed nine resolutions to make democracy more accountable, participatory and meaningful.
