Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 |
| Front Page | ||||
|
News:
Front Page |
National |
Tamil Nadu |
Andhra Pradesh |
Karnataka |
Kerala |
New Delhi |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Front Page
By Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, DEC. 14. India today joined the select group of countries, which telecast live proceedings in their legislatures, with the launch of two Doordarshan satellite channels dedicated exclusively to coverage of business in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The channels were dedicated to the nation by the Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee, and the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, in Central Hall of Parliament. Addressing a gathering of Parliamentarians, the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, said: "This Parliament and our State legislatures lie at the heart of our democracy and it is here that the voice of the people is best heard and most articulated. It is incumbent upon us to respect the great institutions of our democracy. We are obliged to ensure the normal and regular functioning of Parliament as a prayer and a tribute to the spirit of our Constitution and the people at large. I hope this live telecast will improve the quality of debate in Parliament and encourage more members to be actively engaged in its proceedings."
Educating the masses
According to the Prime Minister, the live telecast would go a long way in educating the masses about the "reasons for the decisions we take and the decisions we do not take, the pros and cons of every issue, so that we have an informed and responsible electorate." This apart, he said, the telecast would enable people in "our wider neighbourhood" to see for themselves the vibrancy of Indian democracy at work. "I hope this will help instil greater confidence and trust in our neighbours and make them better appreciate the hopes, aspirations and yearnings of one billion Indian people."
Accountability
In his address, Mr. Chatterjee said the live telecast would contribute substantially to public understanding of the diverse issues of national and international import being considered by the House and the process by which a legislature undertakes legislation. Of the view that transparency in functioning and articulation of the people's problems are the basic postulates of a vibrant Parliamentary democracy, he noted: "Our Constitution makes the Central Council of Ministers responsible to the House of the People and the members of the House are accountable to the people who are the real masters. Therefore, we cannot but concede the people's right to know."
``In people's court''
Mr. Shekhawat said the live telecast would put Parliamentarians in the "people's court" and the masses would be able to analyse how their representatives raise issues of concern and the steps being taken by the Government to address them. He sought the cooperation of the members in setting an example of Parliamentary democracy.
Printer friendly
page
News:
Front Page |
National |
Tamil Nadu |
Andhra Pradesh |
Karnataka |
Kerala |
New Delhi |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
Engagements |
|
|
|
The Hindu Group: Home | About Us | Copyright | Archives | Contacts | Subscription Group Sites: The Hindu | Business Line | The Sportstar | Frontline | The Hindu eBooks | Home |
Copyright © 2004, The
Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of
this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of
The Hindu
|
