Healthy Conventions

In the context of our Hon'ble Speaker leaving the house in agony, it is worthwhile to ponder whether we had, over the long period our Parliament is in existence, created healthy conventions for smooth functioning of our parliament.

When I say "We" I do not merely refer to Parliamentarians only but the whole country, political establishment, institutions, etc.,

There is a certain discernable deterioration in the quality of debates. We do not any more have such erudite, gentlemanly and titanic figures like Nehru, Patel, J.B. Kriplani, H.V. Kamath, Ram Manohar Lohia, V,B,Raju, etc nor serious non-politicians in the conventional sense like Minoo Masani or Piloo Modi getting elected. This is a failure of the political parties and the electors.

Basic courtesy and etiquette demanded of a public person in countering adversaries (not enemies) in debates is also on the wane. Rapt attention in listening is absent. This is a failure of the nation as a whole.

Taking partisan lines on issues of grave national issues is another regrettable phenomenan. We rarely see the entire house speaking with one voice on any matter any more. This reflects poorly on the prevailing acrimonious politics in the country.

Some of the nominations made to the Rajya Sabha (supposed to be the House of Elders) borders on frivolity.

Despite the Election Commission acting as a keen watch dog, people with dubious antecedents do get into the Parliament. This puts a shadow on the credibility of our most important democratic institution. This again is a failure of political parties and the electors.

It is also sad to see the house often divided on religious and caste lines. This was not the case earlier.

Fewer and fewer women entering the Parliament denies opportunity to a large talented pool.

Shrinking duration of sessions and whatever time available getting lost in disturbances takes away the opportunity to put the government to scrutiny and to focus on important issues facing the country.

Many of our Members do not represent the Constituency/state from where they get elected as they never reside there nor have any sort of affinity to that place. This deprives access to the local population the srevices and easy access to their so-called representatives.

Quite a big difference can be made by adopting healthy conventions. Wise and patriotic people especially in the Parliament should put their heads together to foster such conventions and traditions to be adhered to both inside and outside the parliament at all stages of formation and functioning of parliament for the good of the Nation.

...ponder