RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Nov.22: Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais today expressed his concern over the decreasing number of sittings in the House and the increasing obstruction in the proceedings and asked the legislators to introspect.
The governor expressed his concern during the inaugural session of 22nd foundation day of the Jharkhand assembly.
“Our MLAs, being members of representative bodies, should contribute in raising the prestige and dignity of the Legislative Assembly. The decreasing number of sittings in the House and the increasing obstruction in the proceedings are matters of concern today which need to be thought about and introspected,” the governor said.
“People’s representatives should always be sensitive towards the responsibility of living up to the public trust. Active participation of people’s representatives is necessary in conveying the voice of the public to the government through the House. The public elects its representative with great hopes and faith. That’s why the people’s representatives are responsible for solving their problems and for the development of the area,” he added.
Those present on the occasion included Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto, former Speaker C.P.Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Alamgir Alam besides a section of legislators and ministers.
The Governor, on the occasion, remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his contribution in the formation of Jharkhand.
“The state of Jharkhand was formed as the 28th state of the country under the Bihar States Reorganization Act, 2000. On this occasion, I express my gratitude to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, who created the state of Jharkhand keeping in view the aspirations of the people and for the all-round development of the region,” he said.
The governor opined that conduct of people’ representative should match the old tradition of Indian democracy.
“Today is also a day for self-observation and self-contemplation for all of you to what extent this temple of democracy has achieved success in fulfilling public expectations and in which areas further attention needs to be paid. It is a matter of pride that on the global stage our country is called the mother of democracy in the world. In a democracy, only the people are the surveyors. It is the responsibility of all people’s representatives to keep the dignity and credibility of democratic institutions intact, because the dignity of representative institutions depends on the conduct and behavior of the people’s representatives,” he said.
“Being a public representative is a matter of great respect and trust, it is the duty and ultimate responsibility of the legislators to be aware of the problems and concerns of the public. He should become the voice of the people by placing their grievances in the House so that the government can take appropriate steps for their quick resolution,” he added.
Talking about the importance of assembly, the governor said: “Being the highest panchayat and people’s representative body of the state, it is an important responsibility of the Legislative Assembly to give concrete form to the aspirations of the people. Even at the time of making law in the House, the people’s representatives should discuss and consider it extensively. You should raise the issues of public interest in the House so effectively and with dignity that the people of your area say that ‘My MLA is the best’.”
The governor said: “The state legislature has an important contribution in the development of the state. Legislature provides an opportunity not only to make laws, but also to discuss and debate all the subjects of favor and opposition. The state legislature also monitors the activities of the executive through its various committees. With the periodic reviews, these committees work to show the mirror to the executive, which is helpful in the general public welfare.”
The governor, on the occasion, welcomed the steps taken by assembly speakers to improve the working of assembly.
The governor expressed his pleasure for honouring CPI (ML) legislator Vinod Singh with the ‘best legislator award’, and shared his information about the people’s love for him.
