Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has expressed concern over what he called decline in the dignity of legislative bodies and asked all stakeholders, including the members of the Houses as well as political parties, to reflect on the matter.
Delivering the valedictory speech at the All India Speakers Conference hosted by the Delhi Assembly today , he highlighted that presiding officers need to be seen as “undisputed, independent and doing justice” while chairing sessions. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers Manohar Lal, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were present during the concluding session of the Conference.
“Our Constitution makers guaranteed the privilege of saying anything in the House, even speaking against the government. However, the intention behind this freedom has seen a decline. This is a matter of concern for all of us,” he said.The LS Speaker also stressed how imperative it was to ensure the Houses are conducted with the objective of meaningful debate and consideration of public interest issues.
He further urged members of Parliament to rise above partisan interests and focus on the expectations of the people who elect them.
Parliament Monsoon Session ends with record ‘low productivity’ ,“Members need to raise issues that concern the people. The Houses must become the voice of the people and reflect their suggestions and opinions meaningfully,” he stated.
Om Birla emphasised the significance of maintaining decorum and respectful language in the House and outside it.“Disagreement is the strength of democracy. But members must maintain a code of conduct inside and outside the House. People are watching our words and actions,” he said, urging all political parties to ensure freedom of speech while maintaining the dignity of the legislature.
The two-day conference at the Delhi Legislative Assembly began on 24 August. On the opening day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the event. A special postal stamp dedicated to the life and parliamentary contributions of Vithalbhai Patel was also released. An exhibition and documentary on his life story has been showcased. Entitled “The Glorious Saga of Vithalbhai Patel”, the exhibition will remain open to the public from 26 to 31 August.
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