Agencies, Lucknow
President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed concern over frequent disruptions in Parliament and State Assemblies and stressed that the valuable time of these institutions should be used for ‘fruitful debate and discussions concerning people’s welfare’.
‘It is unfortunate that the time devoted by legislators towards legislation has been gradually declining and this is true of legislatures across the country. Unless legislation is preceded by adequate discussion and scrutiny, they may not result in delivering the desired results or meeting its objectives,’ he said while speaking on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Uttar Pradesh assembly.
Mr Mukherjee said during the 4th Lok Sabha out of a total 1,992 hours, more than 416 hours had been washed out due to disruptions. The frequent disruptions not only affected the procedures of the Houses but was also the denial of the rights of the other members.
‘In the recent past, there is an increasing tendency to resort to disruption as a means of Parliamentary intervention. It neither serves any purpose nor provides an effective method to get a viewpoint across to the other side,’ Mr Mukherjee added. The President said crores of rupees were being spent on proceedings of Parliament and State Assemblies.
It was the responsibility of every legislator to work for the welfare of the people.
‘We beg for votes and go to the people urging them to elect us to Assembly and Parliament. Therefore, this is our responsibility to protect the interest of the people and the nation.’ Uttar Pradesh Governor B L Joshi, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and other dignitories were also present on the occasion.
