Logjam in Parliament impacting economy, governance: Survey

NEW DELHI: Over 90% respondents in a survey by an online social website feel the logjam in Parliament is badly affecting the economy and government functioning. A large majority also want MPs' salary to be deducted for the washout period when no business is transacted as this was against "national interest".

On the ongoing debate over "intolerance" raised by certain sections of celebrities, writers and intelligentsia, opinions seem divided. The survey conducted by LocalCircles, one of the largest citizen engagement platform, found 55% of respondents want a debate on the issue in Parliament, while 45% do not favour a discussion.

The survey results were announced just ahead of the upcoming session of Parliament starting Friday. "With over 14,000 citizens responding to the poll questions, it provides collective pulse of how common citizens feel about the upcoming session in Parliament," the organization said in a statement.

According to the survey, the bulk of citizens are disappointed by the deadlock at Parliament and 92% of them feel that the logjam is affecting the economy at large.

With 64 bills pending in Parliament, including the Land Rehabilitation and Consumer Protection bills, around 94% feel that the delay in passing these key legislation is also affecting government functioning.

The survey also shows how people want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be more involved for a productive winter session. At least 77% feel Modi's additional efforts can help in better functioning of Parliament.

"The frustration of the citizen is clearly visible with more than 95% saying MPs should take a pay cut, if Parliament does not function," said K Yatish Rajawat, advisor to Local Circles.