PM expresses concern over some parties supporting objectionable behaviour of their members & also glorification of convicted corrupt individuals

PM in his address at the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference says the conduct of members in the house and the conducive environment therein directly impact the productivity of the assembly

Sanjay Jog

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday without naming the opposition claimed that some parties support objectionable behaviour of their members instead of counselling them. In his virtual address to the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference here, Modi said the conduct of members in the house and the conducive environment therein directly impact the productivity of the assembly. ‘’We now witness public glorification of convicted corrupt individuals, which is detrimental to the integrity of the executive, judiciary and the Constitution,’’he added.

Concrete suggestions emanating from this conference will be instrumental in enhancing productivity, he said, adding that conduct in the House by the representatives decides the image of the House. He lamented the fact that parties instead of curtailing the objectionable behaviour of their members come out in their support. “This is not a good situation for either the Parliament or the Assemblies”, he opined.?

Reflecting on evolving norms in public life, Modi emphasized the need for accountability. “In the past, allegations of corruption against a member of the house would lead to their ostracization from public life. However, we now witness public glorification of convicted corrupt individuals, which is detrimental to the integrity of the executive, the judiciary and the constitution,” he remarked. The PM stressed the importance of discussing and providing concrete suggestions on this matter during the conference.

Recognising the pivotal role of state governments and their legislative assemblies in shaping India's progress, Modi asserted, “India's progress hinges on the advancement of our states. And the progress of states depends on the determination of their legislative and executive bodies to define their development goals collectively.” Speaking on the significance of empowering committees for economic progress, the PM stated, “The empowerment of committees is crucial for the economic progress of your state. The more actively these committees work towards achieving the set goals, the more the state will advance."

Reflecting on the importance of learning from the Constituent Assembly, Modi stated, “There is much to learn from our Constituent Assembly. Constituent Assembly members had the responsibility to form a consensus among various thoughts, subjects, and opinions, and they lived up to it.” Highlighting the role of the attending Presiding Officers, Prime Minister Modi urged them to draw inspiration from the ideals of the Constituent Assembly once again. “In your respective tenures, strive to leave a legacy that can serve as a heritage for future generations”, he emphasized.

Speaking on the need to enhance the functionality of legislative bodies, the PM stated, “Enhancing the efficiency of legislative assemblies and committees is crucial in today’s scenario where vigilant citizens scrutinize every representative.”

Addressing the need to streamline laws, the PM highlighted the efforts of the central government in repealing redundant laws. “Over the past decade, the central government has repealed over two thousand laws that were detrimental to our system. This simplification of the judicial system has eased the challenges faced by the common man and enhanced the ease of living,” he stated. Prime Minister Modi called upon the Presiding Officers to pay attention to unnecessary laws and their impact on citizens’ lives, stressing that their removal would have a significant positive impact.

Referring to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Modi encouraged discussions on suggestions aimed at enhancing women's participation and representation. “Efforts to empower women and increase their representation must be amplified in committees in a country like India,” he stated.?

Similarly, he stressed the need to increase the participation of youth in the committees. “Our young representatives must get maximum opportunity to put their views and participation in policy-making”, the PM emphasised.?

Modi recalled the concept of One Nation-One Legislative Platform put forward in his 2021 address to the Presiding Officers and expressed happiness that Parliament and State Assemblies are working on this goal through E-Vidhan and Digital Sansad Platforms.?

Earlier, in his speech Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed concern over the decrease in the duration of sessions and rising incidents of obstructions during the proceedings. He further emphasised the need for maintaining decency and dignity and the level of legislative and parliamentary debates should be high.

He made a strong case for curbing such instances saying that debate, dialogue, consent and dissent are the strengths of parliamentary democracy that need to be further strengthened. He suggested that a legislature should become a role model for others so that it can be replicated across the country.

Birla said elected representatives should be given a specific time to showcase their social, political and legislative works that can further increase people’s confidence in the legislative system.?

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh asserted that such conferences will help further increase the faith of the public in the legislative and parliamentary system.

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said that the conference is a quantum step in promoting India’s image as the largest functioning democracy. ‘’The recognition and respect which India and Indians enjoy all over the world is most gratifying. This decade has proved exceptional for India. No wonder, we call it ‘’Amrut Kaal’’ of our independence. It has injected such confidence in us to believe that in 2047, India will be among the top three countries of the world,’’he added.

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal recalled Maharashtra’s contribution in strengthening the parliamentary democracy in the country.

The leader of opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Ambadas Danve?said that the presiding officers have a special responsibility for carrying out digitalisation in the legislatures to further increase transparency. ''It is also the responsibility of presiding officers to maintain and strengthen the democratic system in India especially when dictatorship is growing in many countries.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that several steps have been taken to infuse new technology for smooth legislative proceedings, adding that efforts are being made for paperless work, digitalisation in the state legislature. Shinde noted that Maharashtra has been a growth engine and infrastructure projects worth Rs 8.35 lakh crore are under various stages of implementation.

Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe thanked the PM for the passage of the Women’s Bill in the parliament saying that it should now be soon passed in the state legislatures.??‘’Women are aspiring for new successes in many sectors and therefore it is the need of the governments and civil society in general to respond positively,’’she noted.