Use Rules Intelligently to Execute the Priorities
— Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabha
Members, once elected, have diverse roles to perform as representatives of the people, as members of different political parties and as members of a legislative body. Their success as parliamentarians depends on how intelligently they decide their priorities, and how effectively they formulate plans to work upon those priorities. Secondly, only when members get well acquainted with the Rules of Procedure will they be able to participate in the proceedings of the House in an effective and meaningful manner, said Lok Sabha Speaker Smt Sumitra Mahajan. She was inaugurating Orientation Programme for first time Members of Lok Sabha.
Speaking to Organiser and Panchjanya she spoke about the need for training of the parliamentarians to raise the standard of debates (Organiser dated 22 June, 2014). Continuing with that vision, Lok Sabha Secreatriate organised a 2 day orientation programme for the first time MPs on 30 June and 1 July 2014. Inaugurating the programme, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan said the success of Parliament largely depends on the performance of its members, their sincerity, commitment and faith in parliamentary institutions.
Smt. Mahajan further said that House time is very limited and it is essential to master the art of putting forth one’s views coherently and emphatically within the given time. Needless to say that it creates a negative impression especially when the House proceedings are being telecast live besides eating into other members’ time. Referring to the elaborate system of parliamentary Committees, Smt. Mahajan said since House time is limited, Committees provide a good platform for the members to understand issues clearly and make suggestions to the Government.
Emphasising that the respect and effectiveness of Parliament depends, to a great extent, upon the conduct of its members, Smt. Mahajan said it is in the interest of the members and their constituents that they realise their responsibility in maintaining discipline and decorum in the House. If parliamentary decorum is not maintained inside the House and if the members themselves persist in violating the laws governing their conduct, it may bring the parliamentary institutions into disrepute.
The Orientation Programme seeks to help Members to familiarise themselves with various procedural devices and related themes. Union Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj spoke about How to be an Effective Parliamentarian? While veteran parliamentarians and former Union Ministers Shri Oscar Fernandes and Shri Ram Naik apprised participants on the rules related to Question Hour in Parliament. Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Ananthkumar and Shri Bhartruhari Mahatab, MP, provided guidance on Procedural Devices to Raise Matters in the House; Shri P Shridharan, Secretary general of Lok Sabha, informed about the Support Services available for the Members.
