NEW DELHI: The presiding officers of both Houses of Parliament, and the Prime Minister expressed anguish over the turmoil that marked the monsoon session that concluded on Friday. They called upon the polity to explore the possibility of increasing the efficiency of the process of governance, including the functioning of Parliamentary institutions.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh referred to the "constant focus" of television cameras on parliamentary proceedings and wanted members to conduct themselves in a manner that would enhance the dignity of the institution. Speaking to newspersons after the Lok Sabha adjourned sine die, Mr. Chatterjee said that over 36 hours were lost due to interruptions and adjournments.

"Strongly deplored"

Referring to Thursday's fracas in the Lok Sabha in which members nearly came to blows and marshals took up position in the well of the House, the Speaker "strongly deplored" the conduct of the members and "pleaded" that they conduct themselves in a manner "befitting our status." He said: "The public have high expectations from us and it is our solemn duty to articulate the same and redress their grievances."

In the Rajya Sabha the proceedings closed on a sombre note when the House assembled for the last time at 5 p.m. Rajya Sabha Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said he had come to the conclusion that the House would not be able to function on Friday. "Instead of repeated adjournments, I feel it is better to adjourn the House indefinitely. Therefore I want to complete a few formalities."

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is also Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, said he "looked back with some satisfaction to the amount of work accomplished despite the turbulent character" of the proceedings. With increased media attention, it was necessary for parliamentarians to function more efficiently, he said.

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