M A I L B A G

Case for orderly conduct of Parliament

In his article “Honourable Members: It is time to restore Parliament’s lost glory” (June 1), H.K. Dua has reminded the people’s representatives of their constitutional duties and responsibilities. Over the years, they have become irresponsible and insensitive. They have not only failed to effectively enforce the executive’s accountability towards the august house but also dragged the nation into profligacy by drawing remuneration for attending non-performing sessions.

As the Union Finance Minister in 1993, Dr Manmohan Singh took the initiative to set up a Standing Committee to ensure effective control of Parliament over public finance, but the majority of politicians lack such sagacity and vision. Important Bills like the Lok Pal Bill, for instance, have been hanging fire since 1968 not for requisite parliamentary support but for lack of commitment on the part of the members to root out corruption in the higher echelons of administration.

The politicians and our members of Parliament, during the last three decades, have belied the hopes of parliamentary democracy. Equally deplorable is the behaviour and conduct of the members in the State Assemblies. The country is paying a very high price for their shoddy conduct.

Justice J.L. Gupta, former Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, says, “there are similarities between politicians and pigeons as both have exhibited cosmopolitan appearance, good appetite, and large mouths for swallowing large foods and fruits”.

Though democracy in India has slowly but steadily permeated down to the ground, the common masses don’t like crooked and corrupt politicians. They need the support and guidance of the intelligentsia and the media for ensuring orderly conduct of Parliament.

Dr RAJ KUMAR SIWACH, Lecturer, Public Administration, GN Khalsa College, Karnal

II

Zero Hour in Parliament starts at 12 noon during which members raise matters of importance, especially those which cannot be delayed. Nobody knows which issue a member would raise during this hour. As a result, questions so raised without prior notice result in avoidable loss of precious time of the House. It also obstructs the regular proceedings and business of the House.

Moreover, as several agitated members speak at the same time, the task of the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha becomes difficult. No doubt, Zero Hour has come to stay. But the members should understand the significance and importance of this Hour and act accordingly. There is a need to make Zero Hour more constructive and fruitful.

Dr OM PARKASH WADHWA, Head, Public Administration, Government College, Gohana

Appoint Lok Pal

Dr Manmohan Singh’s government has operationalised the National Security Council by appointing Mr J. N. Dixit as the National Security Adviser. It should also take steps to pass the Lok Pal Bill which has been hanging fire since 1968. The ombudsman should have full powers to investigate complaints against Ministers including the Prime Minister, MPs and others. Independent public prosecutors should be able to launch proceedings against any functionary on the basis of the findings of the Lok Pal.

The CBI should also be vested with similar powers for automatic investigation and prosecution of civil servants and other public officials without the approval of the political leadership.

KAMAL AMRINDER SINGH, Jalandhar

Crude oil price

The oil companies are debating the price rise of crude oil in the international market. If the oil prices have increased in the international market, the value of dollar has fallen in past four months. The price structure should be rationalised instead of putting undue burden on the common man.

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas should examine the data carefully and rationalise the tax structure in a manner that would not cause hardship to the common man.

MANOJ SARIN, Jalandhar