Governor stresses need to maintain dignity of the House

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 10: Kerala Governor R L Bhatia today stressed the need for members to maintain dignity and decorum of the Assembly during heated debates and arguments.

Inaugurating a three-day 'Orientation Programme' held for the new members of the Kerala Assembly, he said keeping the dignity of the House is necessary as the deliberations of the assembly are now transparent to every citizen.

Mr Bhatia reminded the members that ''you are the voice of the multitude, the voice of the silent majority. You are here to give expression to their hopes and aspirations and equally their frustrations and despair in whatever way your position entities you, no matter which party or Front you belong to.'' Emphasising the Constitutional provisions that govern the Conduct of Business in the House, he said ''we have codes, manuals, rules of procedure defining the administrative requirements.'' Quoting an observation ''two cheers for Democracy -- it admits variety and permits criticism -- by eminent English author E M Forster, the Governor said ''variety and accountability'' are the two main features that make democratic functioning distinct from other systems of governance.

However, while participating in the process of legislation, one's commitment to the Consitution and responsbility to the people are cardinal, he said adding it would certainly stand the new Legislators in good stead if they are acquainted with the same.

Pointing out the 64 freshers in the Assembly as the uniqueness of the House, the Governor said Kerala could truly be proud of its tradition in progressive and path-breaking legislations for the other states to emulate as heralds of radical change on every count.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Oommen Chandy, Speaker K Radhakrishnan and Deputy Speaker Jose Baby participated in the function.

UNI