VP Naidu concerned over frequent disruptions in Parliament, Legislatures

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday expressed concern over frequent disruption in Legislatures and Parliament as also decline in standards of debates. Observing that "disruption means derailing debate and derailing democracy and the nation", he cautioned that people will get disillusioned if the same trend continues.

Naidu, who was speaking at the centenary celebrations of former parliamentarian and educationist Nookala Narotham Reddy here, said recent incidents in certain state legislatures were disheartening.

He stressed that conduct in parliament and legislatures should be in pursuit of the 3 D's- Discuss, Debate, and Decide. The House should, at no point, become a platform for disruption. Obstructing the House only hurts the cause of public interest, he said.

Reflecting on the exemplary quality of debates in Parliament during Narotham Reddy's time, Naidu suggested that representatives' actions in the legislatures should reflect people's aspirations and sought a more constructive and meaningful use of time in legislatures.

The Vice President also expressed concern over the declining attendance of parliamentarians and legislators in respective Houses.

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He stressed the need for them to be regular and contribute meaningfully in the discussion.

He appealed to the people to elect representatives who possess the 4Cs Calibre, Conduct, Capacity, and Character.

Emphasizing the role of education in inculcating moral values, patriotism and probity in public life, Naidu said education should produce "well-rounded holistic individuals."

Pointing to India's demographic dividend, he said no other country has this kind of advantage and stressed the need to fully leverage it for the nation's progress.

In this context, he called for upskilling the younger generation in tune with the 21st century needs.

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Naidu also suggested that in the spirit of New Education Policy, institutes should restructure themselves and bring in a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education.

The policy also targets at reducing the burden of curriculum and attempts to bring about a comprehensive development in the young student, matching international standards, he observed.

Speaking about the importance of mother tongue, the Vice President underscored the need for connecting with one's constituents through his/her own mother tongue.

"People who elected us should know what we are talking about. That is why members should try to speak in their mother tongue as much as possible," an official release quoted him as saying.

He noted that with mother tongue as a priority, the Rajya Sabha has now given an opportunity to speak in 22 languages with adequate facilities having been provided for the purpose.