Expressing concern over the declining duration of Assembly proceedings, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the conduct of a presiding officer must rise above party politics and must be completely impartial.
Addressing the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) in Lucknow on Monday, Birla said that the voice of the people should reach the government for solutions and flagged the declining time devoted to the functioning of State Legislatures is a matter of concern for all. He highlighted the time needed to ensure a fixed and adequate time for the proceedings of State Legislatures and said the longer the House functions, the more meaningful, serious and outcome-oriented discussions would be possible.
The three-day conference was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel while Legislative Assembly speaker Satish Mahana read out the greetings sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful conduct of the conference. Presiding Officers from Legislative Assemblies of 28 states, 3 Union Territories, and 6 Legislative Councils are participating in the meeting.
“No matter which political party we come from, when we take the post of presiding officer, then we should be fair because the entire country and the public of the state is watching us. Our role should be just, impartial and undisputed,” Birla said.
Emphasizing on the longer durations of the sessions of State Assemblies, he said, “The proceedings of the state legislative assemblies should continue for a specific period of time. Democracy can be strengthened when longer sessions take place.”
Birla said that in the time of technology and social media, conduct of public representatives is constantly under public scrutiny, thus, it becomes more important to adhere to parliamentary decorum and discipline. He said that that in today’s technology-driven era, when information comes from all directions, ensuring “the credibility of legislative institutions is a collective responsibility.”
Birla said that in 2015, a decision was taken during discussions at the Presiding Officers conference in Lucknow that technology should be introduced in proceedings of the Assemblies and as a result, Assemblies now have become paperless. However, he said, despite all the digitalisation, more challenges lie ahead.
Story continues below this ad
Earlier in the day, Assembly speaker Satish Mahana read out a message of the Prime Minister for the attending presiding officers. In the message, the Prime said, “Debates and discussions are an important part of a democracy, promoting transparency, fairness and respect for differing viewpoints…This conference provides an effective platform to the Presiding Officers of our Parliament and Legislatures of States and Union Territories to share their perspectives in following legislative practices and upholding Constitutional values. It also provides them an opportunity to share their concerns, best practices and initiatives to enhance and democratic processes.”
Anandiben Patel, in her address, said that disruptions during the proceedings of the House are a serious challenge before presiding officers as it creates a hurdle during important discussions and also affects the faith of the people in democracy. She said that differences of opinion are the strength of the democracy and thus disagreements should be accepted.
UP is hosting such a conference for the fourth time with the previous ones in December 1961, October 1985, and January–February 2015. According to officials, over the next two days, detailed discussions will take place in plenary sessions on use of technology in legislative processes, capacity building of legislators, and accountability of the legislature towards the people.
