Unruly behaviour of lawmakers affects democracy

Srinagar, May 17: Jammu and Kahsmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that unruly behaviour of legislators in a House sends wrong signal and affects the overall image of the most important democratic institution.

Speaking at an award presentation ceremony to best legislators and media organisations here last evening, he said the people repose great faith in their representatives and expect legislators to be the role models.

Mr Azad referred to business in parliament, citing examples former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late CPI leader Inderjeet Gupta.

He said both were most vibrant and vocal parliamentarians, but their tone and tenor never made the proceedings unpalatable.

The Chief Minister called for creating exemplary and inspiring legislature culture in the state making both the Houses more effective, productive and people friendly. ''We have to give a lead to others in this field,'' he added.

Mr Azad highlighted the role of legislature and media in bringing about socio-economic transformation and attitudinal change in the mindset for the larger interest of the people. Democracy thrives on the legislature and media, he added.

The Chief Minister said media and legislators were complementary to each other and inter-dependent. ''Politicians make news and media circulates it. Both have to render their responsibilities respectfully and in true spirit,'' he added.

Underlining the role of media in dissemination of information and public awareness, Mr Azad said the positive and objective approach should be the hallmark of journalism.

''Unnecessary hype of unconfirmed reports creates confusion. Due consideration should be given while filing reports or telecasting footages. In the rat race, it has to be ensured that we do not unwittingly contribute to any negative tendencies,'' he added.

The best legislator for 2005-06 was given to the National Conference (NC) leader Mehboob Baig while this award for 2006-07 was bagged by Ali Mohammad Sagar, also of the NC.

The appreciation certificates for 2005-06 were given to MLAs Kafil-ur-Rehman, Khemlata Wakhloo and Ashwani Kumar Sharma. The certificates of appreciation for 2006-07 were awarded to Mian Altaf Ahmad, A R Veeri and Balwant Singh Mankotia.

The best media award of Rs 25,000 for coverage of the legislature session in Jammu for 2005-06 was jointly bagged by JK Channel and Take One while the second prize of Rs 15,000 went jointly to Indian Express and State Times and third award of Rs 10,000 was bagged by Hindustan Times.

Similarly for Srinagar session, the first award was bagged by Sheharbeen of Radio Kashmir, second jointly by Srinagar Times and Alsafa while the third went to Daily Uqab.

UNI