Kumar Rakesh
New Delhi, 10th Feb. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called upon legislators to actively engage in House proceedings, emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse viewpoints to broaden their understanding of public issues. Addressing an Orientation Programme for newly elected Members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, he expressed concern over the declining participation of members and the increasing trend of political deadlock in legislative bodies.
Shri Birla highlighted that planned disruptions in legislatures go against the democratic spirit of the Indian Constitution and urged legislators to use parliamentary tools like Question Hour effectively to raise public concerns instead of disrupting proceedings.
“Legislators must come prepared with facts and engage in well-researched debates. The more informed their participation, the more productive the House will be,” he stated.
Praising the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for its commendable productivity, Shri Birla noted that despite a general decline in legislative sittings, Maharashtra has maintained an active legislative process. He reminded lawmakers of Maharashtra’s historical contributions to the freedom movement, social reforms, and spirituality, urging them to uphold these values in their legislative work.
The Speaker also stressed the significance of legislative drafting, warning that errors in drafting can have far-reaching consequences. He underscored the role of parliamentary committees as “mini-parliaments,” advising legislators to ensure government expenditures contribute to socio-economic progress, especially through Public Accounts and Estimates Committees.
Referring to the 75th year of the Republic, Shri Birla reiterated India’s democratic strength, stating that elected representatives must not limit themselves to constituency-level issues but should also address broader state challenges for effective governance.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde also addressed the gathering, urging legislators to uphold the constitutional framework and maintain public trust in democracy.
The Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) organized the programme, providing newly elected legislators with insights into parliamentary procedures and best practices.
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