He also batted for “one nation-one legislative platform”, where Parliament and state Assemblies can share documents, debate clips and data through digitisation.
In a virtual address to the 82nd session of the All-India Presiding Officers’ Conference being held in Shimla, Modi said, “Healthy time or healthy day” should become a feature in every session, where quality debates can take place.
“Can we set aside time during every session for quality debates, in which traditions of dignity and seriousness are meticulously followed? These should be devoid of any day-to-day politics and no one should make any political slurs on anyone,” the Prime Minister said. “Two hours, or half a day or a full day can be set aside for this. This can be ‘healthy day’ or ‘healthy time’ for debates.”
He also suggested that three-four days be set aside during every session in which lawmakers can share their experiences with any special work they are engaged in for the welfare of the people. The country as well as other lawmakers will benefit from this, he added.
Modi underlined that Indian tradition and conventions should be given due respect in Parliament and legislatures. Stressing on ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat’, Modi said, “Most importantly, our own conduct in the House should be according to Indian values. This is every lawmaker’s duty.”
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh have also stressed on smooth functioning of Parliament.
The forthcoming winter session of Parliament is likely to be a stormy one, commencing just weeks before Assembly elections are announced in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur. The Opposition will try to corner the government with the aim of reaching out to voters in these states.
The Opposition has made it clear that it will bring up during the session the Pegasus snooping issue, rising inflation, the Ordinances on giving five-year term to the chiefs of the ED, CBI, IB, RAW as well as the home and defence secretaries, repeal of the three farm Bills, among other issues.