In a major development, that could bring about a radical change in how the Parliament and state legislatures function, it has been reported that as per Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, a committee of Speakers would be formed, which would prepare a report on uniform code of conduct for legislators of the country. This is expected to ensure smooth functioning of legislatures free from disruptions and ruckus.
Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla said, “There was unanimity among the Speakers and the presiding officers that the Assemblies and the Lok Sabha, which are temples of democracy and have accountability towards people, run smoothly and have meaningful discussions without disruptions. There was a consensus on framing a code of conduct.”
The Lok Sabha speaker revealed this while addressing the media after the conclusion of the meeting of Speakers and Presiding Officers of 30 state Assemblies in Parliament House. He said, “A committee would be formed for the purpose which will prepare its report after consulting Speakers and presiding officers of state Assemblies and Legislative Councils.” He added that the committee will submit its report in November and a final call will be taken at the next meeting of Speakers scheduled in Dehradun.
Om Birla also said that all the Speakers were of the view that legislative output needs to be increased for better productivity and efficiency. And in order to ensure that it was inevitable to stop disruptions. He stated, “The Assemblies and Lok Sabha must run smoothly without disruptions. The number of sittings should be increased and expenses are reduced. The exchequer’s money must be utilised and productivity needs to be enhanced.”
The Speaker also negated the idea that a uniform code would affect opposition’s right to protest. He explained:
“You can’t stop anyone’s fundamental rights. This is not to stop anyone from disagreeing and opposing. Sloganeering and disrupting the proceedings are not expressions. In a democracy, the opposition needs to be strong and has every right to protest.”
The Lok Sabha Speaker also said that every state assembly has its own rules and regulations and there was a need to bring uniformity in such rules and regulations. He said that a committee will be formed which will look into the need for uniform rules and regulations for proceedings in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Bihar Assembly Speaker, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary spoke to ANI and made it clear that disruptions don’t help anyone and also praised the move of framing a code of conduct. He said, “The words you use are your weapon and should not be of disruptive nature. The opposition will get an opportunity to speak when the house functions. So they should put their points strongly in the debates rather than going for disruption.” Rajasthan Speaker C P Joshi also called for uniformity in rules and regulations.