Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday emphasized on smooth functioning of the House and said that the proceedings should run without any disruptions, adding that MPs should maintain decorum. In his valedictory address at the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, Birla said, “Especially during Question Hour, the proceedings of the House should run smoothly without any disruption. Members should think to maintain dignity and decorum in the House and increasing the number of sittings.”
Expressing his concern, Birla said that debates and discussions enrich legislation.
“Pre-planned organized disruptions are not good for democracy. We need to make and implement a model code of conduct to stop this thing,” he said.
Birla suggested to the Presiding Officers to encourage those public representatives who participate in good debates and discussions and prepare an action plan to act against those members who constantly obstruct the proceedings of the House so that the dignity of the House is not compromised.
Birla also reiterated the need for uniformity of rules and procedures in legislatures. Notwithstanding financial autonomy, uniformity of rules and procedures will help in strengthening parliamentary democracy.
Birla said that AIPO Conference has always played an important role in establishing sound democratic traditions and parliamentary practices and procedures in legislative bodies and for sharing best practices among different legislatures.
