Bills being hurriedly passed sans scrutiny: Oppn to Naidu

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 26

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu today slammed the ruling and Opposition members with regard to ruckus in the House yesterday during discussion and passage of the RTI (Amendment) Bill, even while members of 18 Opposition parties made a joint representation to him against the alleged high-handedness of the government in passing Bills.

“What happened yesterday has pained me,” Naidu said, adding that people were also pained at the developments in the House, while cautioning the House.

“People in authority should be more responsible,” he said, referring to the chaotic scenes which were against the “decorum” of the House.

“Those in authority should be more careful in following decorum of the House… When voting is on, none should reach out to others. If anyone wants to talk to others, it shall be outside the House and before voting begins,” Naidu said.

Adverting to the pandemonium over amendment to the Bill first put to vote, Naidu recalled earlier rulings stating that discussion on a Bill and amendment were taken up together after which amendments were put to vote. Hence, all should understand the position and abide by this norm.

On the other hand, members of Opposition parties, including Congress, CPM, CPI, TMC, RJD, Samajwadi Party, BSP and AAP, in a joint petition to Naidu complained that the government was trying to push through Bills without subjecting them to parliamentary scrutiny.

Also, they were not allowed to raise issues of public importance in the House by the Chair. “The government has lined up 23 Bills for passing from July 29 to August 7 — the extended period of the Budget session of the Rajya Sabha,” said CPM deputy leader in the House Elamaram Kareem, adding: “The government is yet to respond on the matter.”

In the letter, the members said while understanding their responsibility and the need to enact legislations, any attempt by the government to undermine their privileges, rules and conventions would diminish the role of the Council of States.