351 first-time MPs to take crash course on etiquette

A two-day crash course for first-time members of the 16th Lok Sabha would deal with the topic “How to be an effective Parliamentarian?”, while also offering a rare chance for newcomers to interact with eminent Parliamentarians.

“We are in the process of finalising the faculty for the orientation program,” a Parliament Secretariat official said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, an eight-time member of the Lower House from Indore, will inaugurate the programme on June 30.

The programme is significant since the 16th Lok Sabha, which saw a swarming entry of BJP leaders, has as many as 315 first-time members, 71 of whom are below 40 years.

It will cover various aspects of Parliamentary processes, including the Question Hour in Parliament, procedural devices to raise matters in the House and support services to members.

No more disruptions

“How to be an effective Parliamentarian” is one of the key themes to be discussed in the programme, which will also help the newcomers learn parliamentary etiquette and how to conduct themselves in the Lower House.

With the productive time of mere 61 per cent, the 15th Lok Sabha earned the distinction of being the most disrupted. In  contrast the productive time of the 13th Lok Sabha was 91 per cent and the 14th was 87 per cent.