Take Parliament seriously, Somnath tells Media

New Delhi, Feb 7: Ahead of the coming budget session of Parliament, media has been advised by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee to take its proceedings more seriously and avoid focussing on activities aimed at disrupting the business of the country's supreme legislature.

Issues discussed in Parliament should find adequate place in the media, the Speaker emphasised.

''Any attempt to denigrate Parliament or to stall its proceedings is dangerous for the survival of democracy,'' said Mr Chatterji.

He was addressing a large gathering of politicians, legislators, bureaucrats, mediapersons, social activists and artistes after giving away the CNN-IBN Indians of the Year Awards here last night.

It would be the deathknell of democracy if citizens lose interest in democratic institutions, so preservation of the image of these institution was very important, and it should be the vested interest of all to see that its not undermined.

Recalling the phases when the Indian democracy came under various strains, he said when the country chose for itself the path of Parliamentary democracy, there were several doubts about its survival but it has survived all odds.

But now one can notice a cynicism in the people, especially in its youth, towards democratic institution which was a cause of concern, he said.

''They are questioning the efficacy of governance, so it was hightime that we made the process of governance more transparent and accountable,'' said the Speaker, adding that an empowered citizenary should be the torch bearer of democracy.

In this context, he also emphaised that partisan politics should be kept away from the country's legislatures.

The country faces the challenge of providing basic necessities to its people, and institutions like Parliament have to play a crucial role in this task, so any attempt to sideline its importance should be discouraged.

Media because of its reach to the people can be a great partner in this task by playing a constructive role and shunning sensationalism and should not compromise with truth.

The Speaker, however, appreciated its role in exposing corruption, and citing the case of the sting operation against MPs, he said Parliament took no time in taking action against those exposed by the media.

UNI