Apparently exasperated over frequent disruptions, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari has called an all-party meet on Monday to discuss possible changes in rules for smooth running of House.
The meeting comes close on the heels of his observation last week calling for reviewing procedures of the House.
He had said that he planned to convene a meeting of leaders as early as possible to have “frank practical” discussion on rules needed to be amended, if they need to be amended, for smooth running of the House.
Agitated by repeated disruptions, Mr. Ansari had last week wondered whether members wish the House to become a “federation of anarchists”.
At that time, Mr. Ansari had said, “Every single rule in the rule book, every single etiquette is being violated...If the Hon’ble members wish the House to become a federation of anarchists, then it is a different matter.”
The remark had drawn flak from members. Mr. Ansari had later clarified his comments and agreed to review them.
In the Budget session too, Mr. Ansari had expressed strong displeasure over the total wash out of the second part and had asked MPs whether they have assessed the “impact of disruptive behaviour on public opinion”.
“The record of the work done, and not done, is in the public domain and in no need of commentary...The experience of this session, and particularly of second half, should induce cogitation on a number of matters arising out of situations in which the House finds itself in its daily functioning,” he had said.
Mr. Ansari had wondered whether the “balance” between deliberations, legislations and accountability has been lost due to regular disruptions of the proceedings.
The Chairman had also posed as to whether time had not come to bridge the “growing gap” between rules of procedures and the need felt by different sections of the House to voice their opinion on matters of concern.
Mr. Ansari’s remarks suggesting the need for some change in procedures are significant in the backdrop of a number of disruptions in proceedings in recent times by members, who wanted to raise a particular issue that went contrary to the established rules.
During the current session, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have hardly been able to take up any legislative business despite a bagful of agenda due to repeated disruptions on a host of issues.
