Parliament functions through debate, not disruption, says president

Parliament functions through debate, dissension and decision and not through disruption, President Pranab Mukherjee said Monday, and called on all stakeholders, including government and political parties, to do some introspection.

Mukherjee, who Monday unveiled photographs of the presidents of the central legislative assembly and portraits of former Lok Sabha speakers at the Parliament House, said parliament has evolved well-developed processes and procedures.

"The parliament functions through debate, dissension and finally decision and not through disruption. In order to strengthen our parliamentary functioning and other democratic institutions, it is important that all stakeholders -- government, political parties, their leaders and parliamentarians -- do some introspection and follow sound parliamentary conventions and rules," he said.

The president's remarks came amid repeated adjournments during the second half of the winter session on a range of issues including proposed statehood to Telangana. The 15th Lok Sabha has passed the least number of bills compared to previous houses which have lasted their full five-year terms.

Mukherjee termed parliament as "Gangotri of our democracy" and said it represents the will and the aspirations of one billion-plus people and is the link between people and the government.

"If Gangotri gets polluted, neither Ganga nor any of its tributaries can stay unpolluted," he said.

"It is incumbent upon all parliamentarians that they maintain the highest standards of democracy and parliamentary functioning," Mukherjee added.

While unveiling the photographs and portraits at the Central Hall of parliament, Mukherjee also said that these portraits and photographs will be a reminder of duties and responsibilities.

"I am sure, the photographs and portraits will always remind us of discharging our duties and responsibilities for which we have sought mandate from the people, and inspire us to earnestly strive to establish a progressive, vibrant and healthy democracy," he added.