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Lok Sabha Speaker writes to MPs on Parliament disruptions (Lead)
New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament slated to begin July 18, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has expressed concern over the frequent disruptions of Parliament, saying divergence of opinion and dissent should be within the established norms.
In the letter addressed to MPs, released to the media on Tuesday, Mahajan, noting the tenure of the 16th Lok Sabha has entered into its final year and only three sessions were left, asked if parties can justify their conduct by advancing the argument of improper conduct and interruption of the business of the House by other parties in the past.
He remarks come in the wake of the budget session of Parliament, which ended in April, being least productive since 2000 with both houses seeing repeated disruptions.
“If we accept this argument, then the cycle of interruptions will continue endlessly and such tendency will never be checked,” she said.
Holding that discussion, debate, divergence of opinion and dissent were integral part of functioning of any democratic system, she said: “Constructive opposition and lively debates are the lifeline of democracy, but you will also agree that the discussion, divergence of opinion and dissent should be within the well established parameters and accepted norms of Parliamentary dignity and decorum so that people may continue to have abiding faith in democracy and democratic institutions.
“It is for this purpose that we have given ourselves the rules for conduct of business in the House which have evolved over the years. Is it not our moral responsibility to ensure that these rules are followed in letter and spirit?”
The Speaker said that during her recent foreign visits, foreign dignitaries had also expressed their disappointment over the constant disruptions in the House.
She said it was the collective responsibility of the members to protect the prestige and sanctity of Parliament.
Asked about Mahajan’s letter, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the party MPs will certainly strive imbibe the spirit of her words but the government should also do so.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Bhartruhari Mahtab said the Speaker has expressed her concern and it all depends on the leaders of respective political parties to see that the House runs.
“Because in this Lok Sabha, we have hardly two sessions plus. There are many people-centric issues that needs to be raised. Therefore onus lies with all political party leaders for smooth functioning of the House,” he said, adding that while the Speaker has made an attempt, there should also be a thrust from the government side for smooth running of the parliament.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.