Constitution Provides For All That Is Related To The Three Organs Of The State, From Their Role To Their Jurisdiction: PM
Three Organs of The State Should Work Within Their Own Jurisdiction As Laid Down In The Constitution: Lok Sabha Speaker
By Andalib Akhter
The 2 day All India Presiding Officers Conference concluded in Kevadia, Gujarat today with a resolution stating that “The Constitution has kept people at the centre. Each organ of the State is responsible towards the people in one or the other way. The three organs of the State share the collective responsibility of protecting and strengthening the Constitution.”
Over the course of the two-day discussion, it was felt that there was an urgent need to consult the States over the issue of giving financial independence to the State Legislatures.
During the Conference, a motion was adopted that a festival of democracy may be held in the form of National events so that awareness may be created amongst people about various aspects of democracy.
Besides a resolution was passed on “Constitution and Fundamental Duties”, wherein it was emphasized that while availing our rights, we should discharge our duties sincerely, so as to contribute towards changing the lives of all the sections of society.
Addressing the delegates at the Valedictory Session, Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi said that this was the Day to draw inspiration from revered Mahatma Gandhi and recall the commitment of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Such stalwarts, he said, had paved the path for building India. Mr Modi said that five years ago, it was decided to observe 26th November as Constitution Day, so that the country may remember the contributions of our great leaders. He recalled that the Day, unfortunately, was also associated with the biggest terrorist attack in our country, when terrorists from Pakistan had attacked Mumbai in 2008. Several Indians had been martyred in this dastardly attack. Foreigners too had fallen victim to the attack. Thereafter, Mr Modi paid tributes to the people who lost their lives in the Mumbai attack.
Mr Modi, further remarked that the Constitution provided for all that was related to the three organs of the State, from their role to their jurisdiction. The world had been witness to the resilience of more than 130 crore Indians in the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, which, Mr Modi attributed to the faith reposed by the people in the three organs of Constitution. Continuous efforts had, in fact been made to build this faith. He further stressed that the strength drawn from the Constitution made it easy to face such challenges. He added that both the Houses of Parliament had registered record performances by sitting for long durations. Members of Parliament had shown their commitment by curtailing their salaries. Several State Legislators too had cooperated in the fight against COVID-19 by contributing a part of their salaries.
Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr Om Birla in his concluding address, said that despite defying odds, the Presiding Officers of 20 legislatures participated in this two day Conference. He added that during the Conference, it was unanimously felt that the three organs of the State should work within their own jurisdiction as laid down in the Constitution, thereby, maintaining the spirit of cooperation, coordination and harmony. Among other things, the delegates also consensually arrived at the decision to observe the festival of democracy, institute National Best Legislature Award and spread awareness among people regarding the Fundamental Duties.
Mr Birla said that our leaders had drafted the Constitution keeping in focus the people, rising above caste biases and individual considerations. He added that as representatives of the people, Presiding Officers should also resolve to work in the interest of the nation, rising above all political differences. The elected representatives may be from separate political parties, but they had the common goal of working in the interest of the people and the nation. He further said that it is important to eschew rights and fulfil the responsibilities and duties towards the nation.
In his address, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Mr Harivansh emphasised on the need to pass laws expeditiously in the Legislatures and said that any delay in the process had the potential to cause widespread socio-economic losses. He also exhorted the need to change the laws as per changing times. He expressed the view that it was essential to review the physical age of the laws in the digital age. He opined that if that is not done, the vast human resources and technical resources available in the country will not be utilised to their potential. In this context, Mr Harivansh further laid emphasis on the need to review the rules and procedures of Legislatures and update them as per the requirements of changing times.
The 80th All India Presiding Officers Conference was held on 25th and 26th November 2020 in Kevadia, Gujarat. In wake of the prevalent COVID-19 pandemic, it was the first time when President, Mr Ram Nath Kovind, in person attended an event. He inaugurated the Conference yesterday. Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu; Governor of Gujarat, Mr Acharya Devvrat; Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr Vijay Rupani; Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr Pralhad Joshi; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Mr Harivansh; Union MoS Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Arjun Ram Meghwal; senior Congress leader, Adhir Ranjan Choudhury and other dignitaries also graced the Inaugural Ceremony.