President on Parliament proceedings: Noisy minority cannot be allowed to gag a patient majority

NEW DELHI: Stating that the Parliament has three vital functions - representation, law-making and oversight, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said, "When Parliament fails in law-making, it breaches the trust reposed by people."

Slamming the Opposition in Parliament for stalling the proceedings of the house, Mukherjee said, "A noisy minority cannot be allowed to gag a patient majority. Under no circumstances should there be disruption of proceedings." "Majority has the mandate to rule while opposition has right to oppose, expose, & depose. Disruption of Parliament leads to loss of time & resources; paralyzes policy formulation," Mukherjee added.

Addressing students of Central Universities/Institutions through video conferencing, Mukherjee in his New Year message said, "2014 was an eventful year for India's polity. The outcome of elections to 16th LS provides political stability. Let this be a year of great opportunities and successes."

"The first three Lok Sabhas had 677, 581 & 578 sittings; 13th, 14th & 15th Lok Sabhas only 356, 332 & 357 sittings. I hope the 16th Lok Sabha reverses this trend," the President said.

"Parliament must enact laws; adopt policies that address concerns & aspirations of people. Parliament must not yield space for legislating and policymaking to mass mobilization and street-protests," he said.

Stating that the proceedings of Parliament must be in 'spirit of cooperation, harmony and purpose', Mukherjee added, "India's diversity & magnitude of problems requires Parliament to be effective platform to build consensus."

Talking about the ordinance route, Mukherjee said, "Constitution confers limited power upon Executive for Ordinances to meet exigencies." Mukherjee went on to say, "Passing Bill is the easy part of law-making, harder part is negotiations for reconciling interests of different groups. Policies must address concerns of different stakeholders in larger national interest." "Parliament exercises oversight; ensures programmes carried out by Executive are legal, effective & for intended purpose. MPs must undertake adequate scrutiny of all business transacted in House," he added.