Whatever happened in Parliament today has saddened me a lot. I say that,
because I started following Indian politics at a very early age of my life. I
have always read about it and ask any of my friends, family, relatives, even
office colleagues; I am very passionate about it. I always take part in
political debates whether they are dining table conversations with my family,
or with an autowallah while commuting. I have also defended my Indian Democracy
and its ideals whenever necessary- be it on streets or on social media.
I despise anarchists.
I despise anarchists.
There is a change which is taking place. A gradual change where cynicism
with Indian politicians has started resulted into shades of anarchy. The whole
Anna Hazare movement started that cynicism, but ultimately - Anarchism was
defeated and Democracy won.
I have been a Congress supporter all my life. Come what may, I
will remain so. But we are Indian first. I am proud of Indian Democracy, Indian
values and its Constitution. I am damn proud of the foundations of Indian institutions
which our forefathers have so painstakingly nurtured.
If the Parliament is reduced to a charade, with the opposition and the
ruling coalition not been able to control their MP's who indulge in pepper
spraying, vandalising and slogan shouting, then it’s a matter of deep shame. If
as an ordinary citizen of this country, we feel the shame that this incident
has brought our country, then those who are responsible must feel the
shame.
There are numerous
bills pending in the Parliament. Last 3 years, Parliament sessions have been
the worst ever in modern India.
Parliament : Vital Stats in 2011
Parliament : Vital Stats in 2011
- 30% of the available time in
2011 was lost to disruptions
- 54 Bills listed for
consideration and passing; 28 actually passed
- In Lok Sabha, 18% of the
Bills were passed in less than 5 minutes
- 11% of the Starred Questions
were answered orally on the floor of the House in Lok Sabha
- 81 Private Members’ Bills
were introduced in Lok Sabha; four came up for discussion
Parliament : Vital Stats in 2012
- 36% of allocated time in
Parliament was lost to disruption in 2012
- In 2012, 22 Bills were
passed by both Houses
- Eleven bills were passed
with less than 30 minutes discussion
- 10% of starred questions
were answered orally in Parliament
Parliament : Vital Stats in 2013
- In Monsoon
Session- Productive time in Lok Sabha was 58%
- In Monsoon Session- Question
Hour was disrupted on all days, but one in Lok Sabha
- In Monsoon Session- Of
the 43 Bills listed for passing this session,
- 12 Bills were passed123
Bills are pending in Parliament at the end of the Monsoon Session
- In Winter Session - Question
Hour was disrupted on all days, no question answered in Rajya Sabha
- In Winter
Session- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill passed, 126 Bills pending with
only one session left
- In Winter Session - No
Private Members’ Business was conducted
( Courtesy : PRS Legislative )
There is a serious questioning confronting us. India-the largest
democracy of the world is witnessing less and less work through its Parliament.
Crores and crores of rupees is being wasted. Hundreds of bills are pending.
Reforms are pending. Many bills can change India forever. Judicial reforms,
electoral reforms and administrative reforms are pending. Bills that may change
the face of India, are not seeing the light of the day. Crucuial economic
bills are also pending.
There is an iminent danger that our future generations will start losing
faith in this system. They will start losing faith in the Parliament. I always
believe India is a mature Democracy, albeit a young one. But day after day,
some doubts are being created.
So what, if this session was the last session of Parliament? So what if
there are serious divisions among MP's of Andhra Pradesh, regarding Telangana? So
what if the opposition and the government have differences. We need to move
ahead. That is the essence of Democracy.
I am afraid, the opposite has happened. Democracy has been shamed.
(With Deep Sadness)
My father, Let my country awake…
Comments
Do I even care?