NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged opposition parties and floor leaders to allow smooth functioning of Parliament and give opportunity to back-benchers to take part in House debates productively.
Speaking to media just before the winter session got under way, the PM recounted that parliamentarians, including from the opposition, have told him that they suffered due to frequent adjournments of House proceedings and especially pointed to the plight of junior MPs who lost out the most due to disruptions.
“When I unofficially met MPs of almost all political parties in the past few days, they said that when ruckus takes place in House and it gets adjourned, it affects them. Young MPs say that when discussions aren’t held, they are deprived of learning,” Modi said. “That is why it is of utmost importance for the House to function. I think floor leaders of parties will understand this pain of the MPs.”
The last session was marred by regular disruptions in Parliament.
Noting that he had congenial discussions with various leaders during a recent all-party meet after India assumed G20 presidency, he hoped that it would be reflected in Parliament too.
“India is such a large country, is the mother of democracy and has so much diversities and potential. Therefore, this is a big opportunity for the world to know India and for India to show its potential to the whole world,” he added.
Later, while welcoming Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for assuming charge as chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the PM said he was taking charge at a time when the country witnessed two historical events.
“India has just assumed the presidency of G20 and this is also a time when we have commenced our journey into ‘Amrit Kaal’. Not only will ‘Amrit Kaal’ be a period of development and glory for the country, it will also be an occasion when India will play an important role in giving direction to the world,” said Modi as the House met for the first day of the session.
Hailing Vice President Dhankhar as a leader who has both the elements of “jawan and kisan” (soldier and farmer), Modi said the House is fortunate to receive “his able and effective leadership” at this juncture.
