Expressing concern over the functioning of Parliamentary institutions in the country and 'erosion' of public trust in them, Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu unveiled a 15-point reform charter as the basis for a new political normal to enable effective functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures.
Naidu dwelt at length on the present pitfalls of parliamentary democracy in the country while delivering the first 'Arun Jaitely Memorial Lecture on Strengthening of Parliamentary Institutions in the Country' at Delhi University on Tuesday.
During his 50 minute long account of the genesis of the Constitution of India and functioning of legislatures in the country, Naidu enumerated several pitfalls that are adversely impacting the legislative institutions and suggested remedial measures. He called for a new political consciousness urging all the stakeholders to review their mindset with regard to their roles and responsibilities.
He also expressed concern over poor attendance in the legislatures and the quality of debates and urged the political parties to ensure attendance of at least 50 per cent of their legislators all through the proceedings of the Houses by adopting a roster system. "This suggestion came in the context of Parliament being forced to be adjourned due to lack of quorum of the required presence of 10 per cent of the strength of the Houses," he added.
Responding to the concerns over stifling of the freedom of expression of the legislators further to issuance of 'Whip', Naidu called for a review of the same so as to enable reasonable degree of dissent without impacting the stability of the government.
The Chairman of Rajya Sabha also advocated a thorough review of the Anti Defection Law to rectify the grey areas like incentivising legislators to resort to actions inviting expulsion from the party besides providing for time bound disposal of defection cases by the Presiding Officer.
Emphasising the need for well thought out and focused legislation with the participation of stakeholders, Naidu proposed a detailed framework based pre and post Legislative Impact Assessment. He stressed that every legislative proposal shall incorporate a detailed account of social, economic, environmental and administrative impact for wider awareness and subsequent assessment of the effect of legislation on ground.
Naidu underscored the need for the governments to be responsive to the concerns of the Opposition and the Opposition to be responsible and constructive during the debates and while criticising the government and opposing legislation. He said; "Frequent disruptions, Points of Order without a point, Adjournment Motions and interruptions betray political immaturity, exhibitionism, excessive fondness for the limelight and inadequate appreciation of the need to utilise the opportunity of serving the public interest. "
Referring to the long held perception about the role of caste, community, region and religion in influencing the voting preferences in the country, Chairman Naidu stated that there is growing evidence to suggest the decline of such identity based voting but it needs to be completely stamped out. "While the Indian public has been steadfast in patronising democracy since the first General Elections in 1952 with ever rising turnout, there is a need for new consciousness in the form of moving away from the remnants of identity based voting to that of development oriented exercise of votingpreferences." Naidu noted.
Lauding the contributions of late Arun Jaitely, Naidu described him as a multitasked and multi-faceted genius. He further noted that Jaitely, as both the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the House for five years each in the Rajya Sabha made a significant role in the passing of several landmark legislations besides resolving stalemates on several occasions.