Parliament resolves to uphold, maintain dignity
Parliament on Sunday resolved to uphold and maintain its dignity,
sanctity and supremacy to make it an effective instrument of change and
strengthen the democratic values and principles.
Members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha also resolved to
enhance the accountability of government towards people through
Parliament’s oversight and rededicate themselves in the sacred task of
nation building and noted that a lot more needs to be accomplished.
The resolution, climaxing the day-long debate marking the 60th
anniversary of the first sitting of Parliament, moved by Speaker Meira
Kumar and Chairman Hamid Ansari, was adopted unanimously by members by
voice vote.
“We, the members... do hereby solemnly reaffirm our total and abiding
commitment to the ideals cherished by our founding fathers, and resolve:
a) to uphold and maintain the dignity, sanctity and supremacy of Parliament;
b) to make Parliament an effective instrument of change and to strengthen democratic values and principles;
c) to enhance the accountability of the Government towards the people through the oversight of Parliament, and;
d) to rededicate ourselves completely to the sacred task of Nation Building,” the resolution read.
The two Houses recalled the immense sacrifices made by freedom fighters
in the nation’s struggle for independence and the stellar role played by
the founding fathers of the Constitution in mandating equality,
fraternity, justice, brotherhood of mankind and the uplift of
under-privileged and down-trodden sections of society.
Members also acknowledged with satisfaction and pride the maturity of
the people of India who have cherished the democratic values and worked
ceaselessly for the unity and integrity of the nation.
They also noted that in the last 60 years, the Parliament had through
epoch-making laws, taken decisive steps towards ensuring equity and
justice in all matters for establishing an inclusive society in
pursuance of the deep faith and commitment to ideals enshrined in the
Constitution.
Leader of the Lok Sabha and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday
lamented that a handful of members throttle “silent majority” and called
for a mechanism that will eliminate disruptions.
“On many occasions, this House has been tumultuous, tempers ran high, but disruptions were the least this House has adopted.
“Because when we disrupt the House then it serves no purpose. We cannot
hear. We cannot speak. Only a handful of members completely throttle the
desire of a silent majority to speak,” Mr. Mukherjee said, initiating
the debate to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first sitting of
Parliament.
Mr. Mukherjee said Parliament has acted as a “shock absorber” on several
occasions and whenever there have been disputes, dissensions, the Lok
Sabha has played a role in defusing it.
“Whenever there were tensions, disputes and dissensions, it has come to
this House and under this great dome we have been able to defuse that on
most occasions,” he said.
Mr. Mukherjee noted there has been confrontation in the federal
structure between various organs of the government and judiciary,
executive and legislature. “But over the years we have evolved a system
and able to find an amicable solution,” he said.
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