Concerned about ‘shortened’ State assembly sessions: LS Speaker

PANJIM: Lok Sabha (LS) Speaker Om Birla has raised concerns about the declining duration of assembly sessions in some States putting across the recommendation that the session should be at least 60 days a year.

Birla, who was in Goa on Friday, addressed MLAs on the ‘Role of Parliament in the doctrine of separation of powers; enhancing transparency and accountability.’

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the event, Birla said, “It is high time that we bring in necessary amendments to Business Rules to take a re-look at the trend of lawmakers storming into the well of the House and disturbing proceedings.”

“The reduction in functioning days of State assemblies is also a matter of worry. For this, we will also speak to Chief Ministers of States to ensure that assemblies are in session for more days, so that there could be more constructive debate,” he said. 

Speaker said that the assemblies should be in session for a minimum of 60 days at least. 

“There should be arguments and discussions, but there should be some rules or protocol about entering the well. Efforts should be made towards that. The House should function,” Birla said.

Speaking about amending the Business Rule, Birla said the need has risen to bring uniformity in the State assemblies and the Lok Sabha rules and protocol.

He said that a committee of Speakers of the State assemblies is constituted to deliberate on the issue.  

Later while addressing the MLAs, Birla advised legislators from Goa to have a healthy discussion and deliberation on the issues concerning the common man in the House, while also trying to work out solution. 

He said that the Parliament or State Assembly is the temple of democracy and agreements and disagreements amongst the legislators’ forms part of the functioning of a vibrant House. 

The Speaker added that such discussions having diverse opinions are the identity of democracy.

“The legislators should strive to spend more time on deliberating on topics affecting the common man.  They have to win the trust of the voters who have elected them. Along with discussion, the House should also debate to work out a solution,” he said. 

Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Rajesh Patnekar, Deputy Speaker Isidore Fernandes, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant along with cabinet Ministers, MLAs and former legislators were present for the address.