Parliament is like a combat 'arena': Mukherjee

Says there is widespread cynicism and disillusionment with governance and functioning of institutions

It was not just Vice President Hamid Ansari that expressed anguish with his “anarchist” remark over the daily disruptions being witnessed in Parliament.

President Pranab Mukherjee today while delivering his Address to the Nation on the eve of the 67 th  Independence day remarked, “Our legislatures look more like combat arenas, rather than fora that legislate.”

President Mukherjee, in his second address after taking over as President put in a timely reminder that there is “widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the governance and functioning of institutions” and urged legislators that there is a need for a “ Parliament that debates, discusses and decides.”

Mukherjee while commending the fact the “economy grew annually at an average rate of 7.9%” this last decade, nevertheless said utmost priority must be accorded to “elimination of poverty”. Urging the government to keep up the pace of economic reforms he stressed on redistribution of wealth and empowering local bodies through the Panchayati Raj system.

Highlighting social welfare schemes unveiled by the government this past year, he said Direct Benefits Transfer Scheme will bring in greater transparency and empower the common citizen. Other initiatives like the New Manufacturing Policy, the renewal of urban infrastructure and the skill training programme are also aimed at harnessing the edge that India has its demographic dividend.  

 
In the backdrop of the recent escalations in Indo- Pak tensions on the border, Mukherjee who is also the leader of the Armed forces had a veiled warning, “ our patience has limits”. He said, “Our commitment to peace is unfailing but even our patience has limits.”

Significantly the Parliament today passed a resolution condemning the anti- India resolution passed by the Pakistan National Assembly.

Mukherjee also reminded the nation that the general elections 2014, “greatest festival of democracy” was on the anvil and urged citizens to “ elect a stable government which will ensure security and economic development.”