In Lucknow, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Tuesday voiced profound apprehension regarding the diminishing duration of sessions in both Parliament and state legislatures across India. She emphasized that the frequent uproar and adjournments plaguing these institutions are significantly undermining their public utility and effectiveness.
Call for Government and Opposition Action
Mayawati highlighted that the concerns raised during the ongoing 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference in Lucknow are not only appropriate but also timely and commendable. She urged both the government and the opposition to take these issues seriously and work towards implementing necessary reforms to ensure smoother legislative processes.
Pillars of Democracy at Risk
The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh underscored that Parliament and state legislatures serve as crucial pillars of India's constitutional and democratic framework. She described them as powerful mechanisms for holding the government and executive accountable to the nation and public interest, making their proper functioning essential for a healthy democracy.
Advocating for Peaceful and Extended Proceedings
Mayawati stressed the importance of maintaining peaceful proceedings in legislative bodies, advocating for a minimum of 100 sitting days per year as per established rules. She argued that such a calendar would enhance transparency, allow for thorough discussions on critical issues, and restore public trust in these democratic institutions.
Madrassa Recognition Issue Addressed
In addition to legislative concerns, Mayawati referenced a recent decision by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court regarding madrassas. The court ruled that a lack of government recognition should not be grounds for closing a madrassa, a decision she described as extremely important and timely.
She welcomed the subsequent order to remove the seal on a madrassa in Shravasti within 24 hours, noting that it aligns with the court's stance. Mayawati suggested that while no government likely opposes private madrassas as a matter of policy, arbitrary actions by district-level officials might lead to such incidents. She called for the government to take strict cognizance of these matters and act decisively to prevent future occurrences.
Overall, Mayawati's statements in Lucknow highlight a dual focus on improving legislative efficiency and addressing administrative overreach in educational matters, urging proactive measures from authorities at all levels.
