Parliament on Sunday resolved to uphold and maintain its dignity, sanctity and supremacy to make it an effective instrument of change and strengthen the democratic values and principles. Members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha also resolved to enhance the accountability of the government towards people through Parliament's oversight and rededicate themselves in the sacred task of nation building.
The resolution, climaxing the day-long debate marking the 60th anniversary of the first sitting of Parliament, moved by Speaker Meira Kumar and Chairman Hamid Ansari, was adopted unanimously by the Members by voice vote. The two Houses recalled the immense sacrifices made by freedom fighters in the nation's struggle for independence and the stellar role played by the founding fathers of the Constitution in mandating equality, fraternity, justice, brotherhood and the upliftment of under-privileged and down-trodden sections of society.
Members also acknowledged with satisfaction and pride the maturity of the people of India who have cherished the democratic values and worked ceaselessly for the unity and integrity of the nation. They also noted that in the last 60 years, Parliament had through epoch-making laws, taken decisive steps towards ensuring equity and justice in all matters for establishing an inclusive society in pursuance of the deep faith and commitment to ideals enshrined in the Constitution.
Winding up a day-long discussion in the Lok Sabha marking the 60th year of the first sitting of Parliament, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said the daily routine of disruptions have led to questions on the functioning of Parliament and called for substantive and sincere introspection. He said public disenchantment is bound to raise if parties fail to collectively resolve to restore the prestige of the institution.
Dr Singh expressed regret that the daily routine of disruptions, adjournments and shouting in the House are leading many outside to question the efficacy of the institution and faith in public affairs. He said the manner in which the MPs have conducted, especially over the last couple of years, have led to a sense of frustration and disillusionment among the people.
The Prime Minister said that we have to restore the prestige of the institution then each one of us needs to lead by example. Dr Singh said that in recent years, we have empowered our citizens by providing them the right to Information, Education and minimum employment. He said that the Lok Sabha is a true representation of the unique diversity and genius of the Indian people. He said mature democracies can address daily pressures of politics and long term demands of the country.
Dr Singh said the innate wisdom of the people and the strength of the democratic institutions will guide India on the right path.
Earlier, Greeting the citizens of the country, Speaker Meira Kumar said, Parliament reflects the sovereign will of all Indians. It is also the highest protector of their fundamental rights. The 60 years' journey of Parliament has been successful because of them. The people alone are its guiding force.
Meira Kumar said Parliament has empowered everyone in India transcending all barriers. The right to vote has made everyone equal in the country. The Speaker said, India's diversity is our main strength. She said democracy has no room for caste system. We will have to eliminate it.
Participating in a discussion in the Lok Sabha, reflecting on the journey of Parliament, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said, while its integrity and independence must be preserved at all cost, it must not only be a source of law and power but also justice and compassion. She said that members' conduct must rise to the highest ethical standards. Mrs. Gandhi said the greatest triumph of the country in the last sixty years of its independence is that the aam aadmi has become the heart and soul of Indian democracy.
The Leader of the House and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that May 13, 1952 was the milestone in India's journey of democracy. He said Parliament has acted as a shock absorber all these years. It has given way to consensus in place of confrontation. Parliament is supreme, Mr. Mukherjee said.
Senior BJP Leader L.K. Advani said the greatest achievement of India in the last sixty years has been the strengthening of the values of democracy. The country has learnt to tolerate contrarian views with respect. Those who forecast a gloomy future for democracy at the time of Independence have been proved wrong.
