Om Birla
NEW DELHI: Ahead of Parliament’s winter session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Monday cautioned against planned disruptions of Parliamentary proceedings and emphasised that orderly conduct of legislative functioning is paramount.Planned disruptions not only undermine democratic processes but also deprive citizens of meaningful deliberations and accountability, Birla said in Kohima where he inaugurated 22nd annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone III conference. The last session had witnessed little transaction of normal business, save for a robust discussion on Operation Sindoor in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Opposition parties disrupted proceedings to push for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll.Birla made a strong pitch for preserving the dignity of Parliament and urged political parties to ensure that its proceedings are conducted smoothly. For transparent governance and welfare-oriented policymaking, the legislatures must play a more active and constructive role, he said. The incoming session is scheduled to be held between Dec 1 and 19.Opposition parties, including Congress, have already criticised govt, noting the session will have only 15 sittings.To a question about the session’s short duration, Birla said convening session was the govt’s prerogative and the duration depends on the official agenda. “The govt decides the duration of the session depending on the business it plans to transact. It will be our endeavour to discuss with all political parties to ensure smooth functioning of the House.” During the previous session, 12 bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 15 by Rajya Sabha, mostly in din.
