MPs not just representatives of particular party, constituency: Prez

President Ram Nath Kovind said today that members of Parliament (MPs) are trustees of constitutional ideals and not just the representatives of a particular party or constituency.

Kovind was addressing the MPs in the central hall of Parliament after "Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards" were given away.

He said the people of India, especially the poor and the underprivileged, look upon their MPs with great expectations and "for this reason, they want to see their representatives busy and relentlessly at work for the welfare of common people".

"The soul of Indian democracy lies in Parliament. MPs are not just representatives of a particular party or a constituency. They are trustees of our constitutional ideals," the president said.

"To meet the expectations of the people of the country is the touchstone we must use to judge the efficacy of the parliamentary system," he said.

Kovind said the members who prepare for a subject or a discussion and are earnest in their efforts during the proceedings of Parliament "stand out".

"We should encourage such qualities," he told the MPs.