Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Calls for Reduced Disruptions in Parliament

Gurugram, Jul 3 (PTI): In anticipation of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday made an appeal to all political parties to minimize disruptions during House proceedings, asserting that it is time to amend past practices.

Speaking at a national-level conference of Urban Local Bodies in Gurugram, Birla emphasized that the public would hold political parties accountable for hampering House proceedings.

He noted a decline in disruptions in the 18th Lok Sabha since its inaugural session in June of the previous year.

“It is time for a change. Strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability of democratic institutions necessitate the proper functioning of the Houses,” he remarked.

Birla urged all political parties to make concerted efforts to curb disruptions.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to commence on July 21, extending until August 21, a week longer than initially planned, which was to conclude on August 12.

Birla recounted his observations since 2014, when he first became a Lok Sabha member. “Members used to bring placards to disrupt House proceedings. This was evident in the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024), but changes were noticeable in the 18th Lok Sabha,” he stated.

Birla conveyed that political parties and members began to recognize the importance of allowing the House to function so public concerns could be effectively addressed.

“All political parties have strived to ensure the House operates smoothly,” he reiterated.

Birla also advocated for Urban Local Bodies to adopt practices similar to those of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by incorporating Question Hour and Zero Hour.

“Why can't we strive for day-long sessions of Urban Local Bodies? Let the meetings run for eight hours, including Question Hour and Zero Hour, to promote discussion and ensure accountability and transparency,” the Speaker suggested.

Birla affirmed that in future years, the government aims to implement legislation mandating 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

“We must foster women leaders in urban local bodies, as it is from these institutions that new national leaders will emerge,” he commented.

Birla recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first Home Minister, previously served as the chairman of the Ahmedabad municipal body in 1922 before rising to prominence as a national leader.

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