Unhappy over disruptions in parliament, President Pranab Mukherjee Thursday said it was “unfortunate” that not enough time was being devoted to discussions on financial matters in the House.
“It is unfortunate that disruption has become a part of parliamentary functioning. It is not clear whether this disruption puts any serious pressure on the government,” he said inaugurating the Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy via video-conferencing here.
“The parliament is the sole authority to give approval for expenditure of the government. It is unfortunate that not enough time is being devoted to discussions on financial matters in parliament,” he added.
Mukherjee said that the “only purpose it (disruption) serves is to deny other members of parliament their legitimate right to express views”.
“The question hour also often becomes casualty because of such disruption,” he said.
Parliament lost over 106 hours during the month-long winter session last year due to turmoil over issues like FDI and quota in promotions. The budget session is scheduled to begin in the latter half of February.
Mukherjee stressed that the parliamentary system needs to be strengthened.
“There is need to study government at the third tier and how genuine devolution of powers can be undertaken. We need to find ways to address corruption and cynicism. Informed debates and discussion will benefit all of us and the system as a whole,” he said.
—IANS