Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Monday said that as per the Constitution, debates in Parliament could be held only in English and Hindi. At the same time, there were adequate translators for the benefit of members speaking in regional languages.
She was responding to a query from mediapersons, after taking part in the fifth convocation of SRM University, in Kattankulathur, on Union Minister M.K.Azhagiri’s demand to speak in Tamil. On how the issue would be solved, Ms. Meira Kumar said: “I told him to come and meet me. If he meets me, we can find a solution. There were 16 interpreters for as many regional languages, including Tamil in Parliament.”
To a question on the high rate of absenteeism during the proceedings in the House, the Speaker said she would persuade the Members of Parliament to attend the sessions for smooth conduct of business in the House. She had been appealing to the MPs to attend and not absent themselves, especially when they had to raise questions. “There will be an improvement in the 15th Lok Sabha,” she said.
Now the proceedings were running relatively smooth, she said adding that if time was lost, the members too had to sit back late in the House.
On whether the MPs should be forced to attend the Parliamentary sessions, Ms. Meira Kumar said they were not school students.
“They [members] are under pressure. They are responsible as they have been elected by 10 to 12 lakh people. People will not elect irresponsible members,” she remarked.
