Parliamentary disruptions hurting India's progress: Naqvi

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday expressed concern over a number of reform bills remaining pending due to disruption of the parliamentary proceedings.

"Several reform bills related to people's welfare and country's socio-economic progress are pending due to baseless disruption in the parliamentary proceedings," the minister said, addressing 'Youth Parliament - Amity Mock Parliament-2016' organised by Amity University at Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

He said debate and discussion are essential for any parliamentary democracy.

But dissent, disruption and disturbance should not be allowed to dominate debate, discussion and decision, said Naqvi, who is minister of state for parliamentary affairs.

Parliament is the "biggest temple of democracy" and it is also the most effective constitutional institution to deal with issues concerning public welfare and people's aspirations, he said.

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2013, and the Goods and Service Tax (GST) have been stalled by disruptive political wranglings in the house, the minister said.

"Last two sessions - Monsoon Session and Winter Session- were wasted due to illogical ruckus," he added.

However, despite holding different ideologies, most of the political parties remain united on issues of national importance, he said.

"This is the strength of Indian democratic and parliamentary values," Naqvi observed.

According to official estimates, one hour of Lok Sabha proceedings cost about Rs.1.5 crore and one hour of Rajya Sabha Rs.1.1 crore to the state exchequer.

Disruption during the winter session of parliament resulted in business loss of about 56 hours and 39 minutes in the Rajya Sabha and about eight hours and 37 minutes in the Lok Sabha.