Frequent disruptions in Parliament matter of concern: Meira

Shimla, Oct 21: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today said frequent disruptions in Parliament over frivolous issues has not only lowered the credibility of the institution but was "lethal" for India's democratic system and character.

Addressing a special session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly to mark its Golden Jubilee, Kumar said that it was a matter of regret that 73.30 valuable hours of Parliament were wasted due to interruptions during its last session. Raising serious concern over the growing tendency of members to frequently interrupt the Parliament over frivolous issues, Kumar said the MPs should strongly put forth their viewpoints and avoid such "uncalled for" interruptions.

She, however, said that it was a matter of satisfaction that despite interruptions of proceedings, the Lok Sabha did pass important bills relating to food security, land acquisition, rehabilitation of manual scavengers, pension and development authority.

Calling upon the elected representatives to become harbingers of social and economic change by their "exemplary conduct", Kumar said enactment of stringent laws was not enough and mindset of people needs to be changed as well. "Unless people do not change their mindset, no law however stringent would make any difference.

"We can overcome the prejudices and root out the social evils but for this the issues that ensure social and economic equality have to be raised forcefully in the house" she said.

Kumar was in Shimla to preside over the golden jubilee celebrations of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.

PTI