Parliament bids farewell to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee
ANDALIB AKHTER / NEW DELHI
In his farewell address at Central Hall of Parliament today, President Pranab Mukherjee said that if Parliament fails to discharge its law making role or enacts laws without discussion, it breaches the trust reposed in it by the people.
Mr Mukherjee said that Parliament stands for debate, discussion and dissent adding that disruption hurts opposition more than Government as it denies the opportunity to opposition to raise the concern of the people. He said that voice of each Member of Parliament is important and it is unfortunate that the Parliamentary time devoted to legislation has been declining.
Stressing the need for scrutiny and adequate discussion before passage of any legislation, he said, when Parliament fails to discharge its law making role or enacts laws without discussion, it breaches the trust reposed in it by the people.
The President said, ordinance route should only be adopted in compelling circumstances and there should be no recourse to ordinances on monetary matters. Mr Mukherjee said, ordinance route should also not be taken on matters which are being considered or have been introduced in the house or committee of the house.
The President described the passage of GST as a shining example of cooperative federalism which speaks volumes for maturity of India’s Parliament. Mr Mukherjee said, he had the privilege of being a witness and a participant in the unfolding scenario of emergence of great India. Praising the Prime Minister, the President said, the advice and cooperation extended by Narendra Modi benefited him. He said, Mr Modi is driving transformational changes with passion and energy. The President added that he will carry forward with him fond memories of association with Mr Modi.
Talking about his tenure, Mr Mukherjee said, he has tried to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution which represents hope and aspirations of billion plus Indians.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice President Hamid Ansari said, President Mukherjee brought great distinction and dignity to his office and his views on national, international issues have enhanced the stature of the top office. He said, Mr Mukherjee’s rich political legacy hold valuable lessons for Parliamentarians and people and will guide the future generation in public life.
In her address, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said, during his tenure, Mr Mukherjee besides discharging his constitutional responsibilities with dignity and grace, he has effectively articulated the concern before the nation. She said, the President has brought Presidential focus on centrality of education for human development and imperative of research and raising the quality of higher education.
On the occasion, Ms Mahajan presented a coffee table book signed by MPs to Mr Mukherjee.Leaders from different political parties including former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and H D Devegowda, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, BJP Veteran L K Advani, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and SP partiarch Mulayam Singh Yadav attended the function besides several Union Ministers.