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The Vice-President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has said that the representatives of the people represent the hopes and aspirations of the public. It is necessary that people’s representatives continue to enjoy their confidence. And for this, people expect from Parliament that issues, which are of vital concern to them, are discussed effectively and meaningfully ensuring protection of their fundamental rights, solution of their problems and good governance. He was presiding over the All Party Meeting, convened by Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Somnath Chatterjee to have a discussion on the general conduct of the proceedings of the Parliament.
Shri Shekhawat said that the Parliament is an important pillar of democracy. Prestige of Parliament is enhanced by the successful conduct of its proceedings. The Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities, Panchayats as well as the general public derive inspiration from it. Proceedings of Parliament are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, Rules and conventions. The ample provisions exist to enable a meaningful discussion on any subject of public interest, he opined.
He cautioned that if Members of Parliament will not obey the rules, regulations and conventions in the smooth functioning of the Parliament, then the public may also not obey the laws and rules passed by the Parliament and there may be a complete anarchy.
He expressed his concern that at times, on certain issues, differences develop between the treasury and the opposition benches which result in disruption of the proceedings compelling adjournment of the Houses.
He said that all parties in the past had jointly adopted the resolutions inside and outside the Parliament on how the Members should conduct themselves when differences arise in the House. As Presiding Officer, he always desired that the Houses should meet regularly and proceedings of the Houses are conducted according to the agenda as set out in the list of business without any interruptions. He wished that Members should get full opportunities to raise matters concerning the public under the rule.
Keeping in view the resolutions passed earlier he hoped that in this joint meeting all of us would resolve to cooperate in order to ensure a smooth functioning of the Houses. He emphasised that before the commencement of each session, the leaders of the House and the opposition should meet together to decide mutually on the possible subjects that are likely to come up before the House and can be discussed on the floor of the House. This would have a positive impact on the proceedings of the Houses.
The all party meeting was also addressed by Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Somnath Chatterjee, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, Leader of the Opposition, Shri Lal Krishan Advani, Defence Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Jaswant Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Members of Parliament, Dr.Karan Singh and Shri Sanjay Nirupam.
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