NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said the incidents which took place in Rajya Sabha during passage of the farm bills was unfortunate even as he reiterated the proceedings of a house are not discussed in the other as per the set norms.
At a press conference, Birla said the parliament is meant for healthy debates and the lawmakers should be careful that the whole country watches the proceedings.
“What happened was unfortunate … normally no discussion takes place in a house about the there one. We must adhere to democratic values,” he said when asked about the fracas witnessed in Rajya Sabha last Sunday when farm bills were taken for passage.
The Speaker also spoke about the new parliament building being constructed saying it will be ready in 21 months and the construction has already begun. “We hope to hold the session in the new building when the country celebrates 75 years of independence,” Birla said.
He said the opposition members boycotted the last day of the Monsoon Session due to some "political compulsions,” adding that they conveyed they have no issues with him.
Birla said he called the floor leaders of all opposition parties for a meeting over a cup of tea and requested them to attend the valedictory proceedings of the house.
"The opposition leaders boycotted the last day of the session due to some political compulsions, while they conveyed to me that they had no issues with me," the speaker said.
Underlining that the productivity of the Lok Sabha was at a historic 167 per cent, he said that despite the threat of COVID-19, the average attendance of MPs in the Lower House, during this session, was more than 300 which sends a very positive message and strengthens peoples' faith in democratic institutions.
He credited the cooperation from all political parties for higher productivity of the Lower House.
"The Lok Sabha sat for 60 hours instead of the allotted time of 37 hours. In fact, despite the curtailment of the session due to COVID-19, the Lok Sabha was able to function optimally with minimal loss of productivity," Birla said.
On the issue of the Question Hour, Birla said that members were given ample opportunities to raise matters concerning peoples' welfare through written questions and the Zero Hour.
Highlighting the enhanced participation of members during the Zero Hour, Birla said it shows that they were given enough opportunities to express their views and were encouraged to participate in the discussions.
Talking about curtailment of the session, Birla said the decision was taken with a consensus in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which started on September 14, concluded on September 23, eight days before the scheduled end on October 1.
When asked about the new Parliament building, Birla informed that the construction work has started and it will be completed within 21 months.