President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday asked lawmakers to maintain decorum while expressing dissent during parliamentary and Assembly debates.
Addressing MPs at an event in Parliament Annexe, he said they should respect one another’s views and maintain their dignity for the success of parliamentary democracy.
Reminding them that proceedings of Parliament are broadcast live, he said, “The public expects discussions on its problems and plans for development of the country. It is Parliament’s responsibility to make efforts towards fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of our citizens.”
The President said the role of Parliament and legislatures was to discuss, debate and decide. “Occasionally, this process may entail an element of dissent. But in expression of dissent, MLAs and MPs have to maintain decorum. Due to the combination of these five Ds — discussion, debate, dissent, decorum and decision, the biggest D — democracy is strengthened,” he said at a function to mark the third anniversary of the Speaker’s Research Initiative (SRI).
The SRI, inaugurated on July 23, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the outcome of an initiative of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. President Kovind said, “It is absolutely critical to take well-considered decisions. This is where the role of research and knowledge comes in. The SRI initiative is a great help in this regard.”
The SRI helps MPs by holding workshops, group discussions and seminars. “The need of the hour in such a scenario is super-specialisation and informed decision-making by lawmakers. Keeping in view these requirements, SRI has engaged eminent experts from various fields across the country to share their knowledge with members,” Ms. Mahajan said.
