How to ensure Indian MPs take Parliament sessions seriously

It’s not just the masses or the markets that take India’s Budget session of Parliament seriously. Even the MPs do. That may sound like a biased comment about politicians. However, the MPs are also to blame, going by the number of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions washed out because of the noisy protests by the elected representatives of the people. The MPs, who are so quick to take umbrage at any breach of privilege, should also be aware that with the power they enjoy goes the responsibility to ensure that every moment of Parliament session is utilised in a meaningful manner to discuss and find solutions to the problems of the electorate in the world’s most populous democracy. Quite a few sessions of Parliament have been disrupted in the recent past, with the passage of any number of Bills being held up as the lawmakers stormed into the well of the House. There is no guarantee that things could improve if the NDA was elected to power and the UPA occupied the Opposition benches. It is only the Budget session of every year that has so far not been completely disrupted like the monsoon session or the winter one.

` Does it have something to do with the change in weather or a change in diet? Since it is a bit difficult to control the weather, maybe the country’s best dieticians could formulate for the canteens in Parliament a menu that stimulates thoughtful discussion instead of thoughtless disruption. After all, in terms of the better quality of food they serve at a lower price, the canteens catering to the MPs would be the most subsidised ones you could find anywhere in the Great Indian Market. After a fully satisfying meal, the MPs could even be in the right frame of mind to discuss fertiliser and other subsidies. The way to a Member of Parliament’s head could well be through his stomach.