Suggesting longer tenure for committees, VP Naidu seeks new 15 point charter for better functioning of Parliament

New Delhi, October 30: Expressing concern over the functioning of parliamentary institutions in the country and erosion of public trust in them, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday unveiled a 15 point reform charter as the basis for a new political normal to enable effective functioning of the legislatures.

 

He dwelt at length on the present pitfalls of parliamentary democracy in the country while delivering the first ‘Arun Jaitely Memorial Lecture on Strengthening of Parliamentary Institutions in the Country’ at Delhi University today.

 

 

During his 50 minute long account of the genesis of the Constitution, Naidu enumerated several flaws that are adversely impacting the legislative institutions and suggested remedial measures. He called for a new political consciousness urging all the stakeholders to review their mindset with regard to their roles and responsibilities.

 

Further he urged the political parties to ensure attendance of at least 50 per cent of their legislators all through the proceedings of the Houses by adopting a roster system. This suggestion came in the context of parliament being forced to be adjourned due to lack of quorum of the required presence of 10 per cent of the strength of the Houses.

Naidu also responded to the concerns over stifling of the freedom of expression of the legislators due to issuance of ‘Whip’. He called for a review of the same so as to enable reasonable degree of dissent without impacting the stability of the government.

 

Emphasising the need for well thought out and focused legislation with the participation of stakeholders, the Vice President proposed a detailed framework based pre and post Legislative Impact Assessment. "Every legislative proposal shall incorporate a detailed account of social, economic, environmental and administrative impact for wider awareness and subsequent assessment of the effect of legislation on ground", he stressed.

Lately he also underscored the need for the governments to be responsive to the concerns of the Opposition and the Opposition to be responsible and constructive during the debates and while criticising the government and opposing legislation.

 

“Frequent disruptions, Points of Order without a point, Adjournment Motions and interruptions betray political immaturity, exhibitionism, excessive fondness for the limelight and inadequate appreciation of the need to utilise the opportunity of serving the public interest", he noted.

 

Lauding the contributions of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, Naidu described him as a multi-tasker and multi-faceted genius. He noted that Jaitely, as both the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the House for five years each in the Rajya Sabha made a significant role in the passing of several landmark legislations besides resolving stalemates on several occasions.