Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Discipline the elected representatives first' that was published in Newsband

Discipline the elected representatives first

Bharatiya Janata Party is finding the attitude of the principal opposition party, the Congress, discomfiting. Disruption works better for the opposition than for the government. The louder the noise the better it is for the opposition parties: unfortunately, commotion and confusion in Parliament seem to get them better media mileage.

The opposition needs to do more than make some noise if it sincerely believes that the government is in the wrong. Informed discussion and smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings should be somehow ensured.

Each minute of running Parliament during sessions costs more than three lakhs rupees paid by the Tax-payers in the stalled procedure of parliament. We have been observing very poor and disruptive performance of Indian parliament and Indian state's assemblies for years. Comparatively, parliaments of other countries function smoothly.

Singapore is world's best performing city-state. First Prime Minister, modern Singapore's founding father and 51 year-long cabinet member Mr. Lee Kuan Yew wrote in his book 'From Third World to First' that European style liberal democracy is not suitable for Singapore and Asian countries in General. “India needs some serious changes in the style of its parliamentary (Assemblies included) performance. The reason for India's huge poverty is the very poor representative democracy. Electing more studious and intellectual persons will be one remedy; but more changes are needed,” he added.

Wasting time in parliament for personal benefits will soon produce adverse effects at the polls. Parliament's image has taken a beating long ago. At least a few Politicians should try to become statesmen to give Indian parliament a glorious image

Stalling the proceedings in Parliament is not the function assigned to the members elected by the people. Their duty is to participate in the debate on legislation with a view to formulate the most appropriate legislation for the development of the nation. Those who fail to discharge their primary duty to their electorate should not be paid their pay and allowances. ‘No work no pay’ should be applicable to our elected representatives also.

There are many a redundant laws which are no more required, but serve as escape route to the criminals in the society. Such laws should be replaced and new legislation would be required to accelerate the process of national development. These are the primary functions of the elected representatives.