A heated debate erupted in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday over the relationship between the executive and public representatives.
Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey alleged that officials do not even answer calls from public representatives and are busy brokering.
He said that the executive’s dominance over the legislature is inappropriate in a democratic system. In this context, he demanded the Speaker’s intervention and said the dignity of the House is being disregarded.
Samajwadi Party MLA Kamal Akhtar also said that the situation has become such that even ruling party MLAs are forced to sit on a dharna. He said that officials don’t listen to anyone, which has upset MLAs from all parties. He demanded that the government make arrangements to ensure effective control over the bureaucracy.
SP MLA Sangram Singh Yadav also accused officials of not answering calls and ignoring public representatives. He said the protocol established by the Assembly for public representatives must be upheld and not violated by any official.
SP MLA Ragini Sonkar also raised the issue of alleged negligence by officials and demanded that the problems of public representatives be taken seriously.
Responding to this, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana stated that the matter is under the chair’s cognisance and appropriate arrangements will be made. He assured that a concrete solution will be found by conferring with the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
On behalf of the government, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna dismissed the allegations as baseless. He stated that there is no question of the executive overriding the legislature and that the government is not with those officials who do not answer calls from public representatives. The government is committed to effectively implementing the government order already issued in this regard.
On the other hand, Minister Aseem Arun suggested that authorised numbers be issued at the state and district levels, which officials would be required to answer under all circumstances, so that public representatives’ complaints can be resolved in a timely manner. He added that, at times, even officers face situations where calls go unanswered, and appropriate arrangements should be made to address this.
Meanwhile, during the question hour in the state Assembly on Tuesday, political debate was also mixed with poetry. Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Ragini Sonkar attacked the government by reciting poetry, and Minister Gulabo Devi responded.
Ragini Sonkar raised the issue of the shortage of science teachers in aided schools. She questioned why the government was unable to provide science teachers and when the retired principals would be replaced.
Responding to this, Minister Gulabo Devi also retorted in a poetic style. She said, “It’s one thing to pretend ignorance despite knowing the truth, but quite another to change reality. No matter how bright the sun’s rays shine, they cannot dry up the ocean.” The minister indicated that the government is committed to strengthening the education system.
Meanwhile, SP MLA Sachin Yadav raised the issue of the ban on processions of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and Mahatma Buddha. He raised the issue of religious freedom and said that there should be a clear system for granting permission for processions by making entries in the police register.
In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna stated that during the Yogi 2.0 tenure, a government order was issued for organising protests and processions. He added that clear rules have been established for organising religious and social events, and permission is granted in accordance with those rules.
MLA Pallavi Patel raised a question on higher education in the House. She sought information on the system for granting medical leave to teachers working in universities.
In response, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay shared details of the facilities available to university and college teachers.
He clarified that universities and colleges are separate administrative units, and, therefore, the facilities provided to teachers in each need not be the same.