Be it gram panchayats or the Rajya Sabha, their normal functioning is being frequently obstructed for some reason or the other. Elections and democratic institutions can serve public interest only if legislative functions, in which debates in legislatures have much to contribute, are allowed to proceed without hindrance.
These thoughts came to my mind in the context of the withholding of debates in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on days following the address to the joint session of Parliament by the President and the presentation of the Budget.
The matter points to inadequacies in the handling of the situation after former minister E Ahamed’s collapse in the House and later death in the hospital. The matter needs to be debated by both Houses of Parliament so that if a similar situation arises in the future, it may be handled appropriately.
What is objectionable is a pattern in the functioning of the legislatures. It gives the impression that there is no effort on the part of legislators to ensure that proceedings of the House are not skipped in the name of protests. Why not have a parliamentary committee study the conduct of business while Parliament is in session? The Committee could examine the possibility of:
(i) A consensus on completing the day’s business before other matters are taken up for discussion (emergent issues or condolences could be exempted).
(ii) Other important matters that are at present raised through adjournment motions or calling attention motions could be taken up immediately after the business scheduled for the day is over.
(iii) Through consensus, give a gap or holiday for running into the well of the House and walking out of the House as part of a protest. Use the entire time available otherwise for debates on issues that come up for discussion.
These thoughts came to my mind in the context of the withholding of debates in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on days following the address to the joint session of Parliament by the President and the presentation of the Budget.
The matter points to inadequacies in the handling of the situation after former minister E Ahamed’s collapse in the House and later death in the hospital. The matter needs to be debated by both Houses of Parliament so that if a similar situation arises in the future, it may be handled appropriately.
What is objectionable is a pattern in the functioning of the legislatures. It gives the impression that there is no effort on the part of legislators to ensure that proceedings of the House are not skipped in the name of protests. Why not have a parliamentary committee study the conduct of business while Parliament is in session? The Committee could examine the possibility of:
(i) A consensus on completing the day’s business before other matters are taken up for discussion (emergent issues or condolences could be exempted).
(ii) Other important matters that are at present raised through adjournment motions or calling attention motions could be taken up immediately after the business scheduled for the day is over.
(iii) Through consensus, give a gap or holiday for running into the well of the House and walking out of the House as part of a protest. Use the entire time available otherwise for debates on issues that come up for discussion.
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201 · E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%