Drop in sittings of legislatures, disruptive behaviour of lawmakers a matter of concern: LS Speaker

Expressing anguish over decline in number of sittings of legislatures and disruptive behaviour of section of members in legislative bodies, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday urged the lawmakers of the country to rise above party lines on issues of national interest.

Stating that decline in the level of discussion and dialogue in legislatures is a matter of concern, Birla, while inaugurating the two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Bhubaneswar, reaffirmed “the timeless vision of the Constitution, and underlined that social justice and equality of opportunity are not only the defining features of our Constitution but also the guiding spirit of India’s democratic journey for the last 75 years”.

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Recalling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of an India where Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalised sections would live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities, Birla said that this vision has taken concrete shape over the decades, enabling members of these communities to occupy the highest offices of the land, thereby reflecting the maturity and inclusiveness of Indian democracy.

The First Conference of Chairpersons of Committees on the Welfare of SCs and STs was held way back in 1976 in New Delhi. However, it is for the first time that such a Conference is being organized outside Delhi.

Further emphasizing the critical need for effective utilisation of government funds and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that welfare schemes truly reach and empower the marginalized sections of society, he highlighted the pivotal role that financial discipline and administrative accountability play in driving inclusive development.

Further noting that substantial public resources are allocated each year towards social welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised sections and underscored the importance of timely implementation and regular monitoring to ensure that the benefits of development are equitably distributed.

Stressing that true empowerment goes beyond financial aid and must foster self-reliance, dignity, and opportunities for growth, the Speaker reiterated the Parliament’s commitment to social justice and inclusive governance through more responsive and result-oriented policy execution.

He dwelt at length on how Committees, particularly those dealing with the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, scrutinise budgetary provisions minutely, evaluate the performance of schemes, and assess whether allocations have been fully and effectively utilised. Their reports, he said, not only hold the government accountable but also provide valuable guidance for course correction.

The Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures function in a non-partisan manner, rising above political lines to take decisions solely in the interest of the people, he said adding that their discussions, more detailed and structured than those held in the House, provide clarity and direction to government policies and help secure consensus on sensitive issues.

Birla further added that India’s journey over the last seven and a half decades has been a constant endeavour to empower the most disadvantaged. Today, public sector undertakings, financial institutions, and educational reforms such as the National Education Policy are all aligned towards expanding opportunities for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He reiterated that education and social justice go hand in hand, and protection of the rights of weaker sections must remain at the centre of the nation’s policy agenda.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi; Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram; Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh and Chairperson, Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of SC and ST, Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste also addressed the gathering. Chairpersons and Members of Committees on Welfare of SC and ST in Parliament and State and Union Territory Legislatures; Ministers in Government of Odisha and Members in Odisha Legislative Assembly graced the inaugural event.