THE National Assembly session on Wednesday was again adjourned over lack of quorum for the consecutive time since the beginning of the fourth parliamentary year.
The government was unable to complete its agenda of the day yet again as the Speaker adjourned the session till Friday (today).
This really indicates the lack of seriousness of our legislatures both sitting on the treasury and opposition benches.
Though big claims on the part of political parties are made about strengthening democracy and democratic norms, yet nothing has been or is being done to strengthen Parliament where the issues should not only be discussed but also provide solutions to them.
This is the reason that the assemblies, in the public eye, have become no more than a debating club.
What has been seen is that the elected representatives use the floor of the house for mudslinging against each other and point scoring instead of engaging in a serious business aimed at welfare of the masses.
The current Assembly has started its fourth parliamentary year and it must now show some seriousness for the sake of the country.
Greater responsibility rests with those sitting on the treasury benches to ensure their presence in the House.
Since the opposition parties are also part of this House, they should come out of this syndrome of pointing to the lack of quorum to embarrass the government. They will have to work together to maintain order and ensure smooth functioning of the House.
The elected representatives must demonstrate greater maturity and work towards promoting good parliamentary practices. Senior parliamentarians have to lead such efforts.
As the government and opposition have agreed to form a Parliamentary Committee on electoral reforms, this very issue of national importance also needs to be discussed in threadbare at the floor of the House in order to seek invaluable inputs from all its members.
Similarly, discussion needs to be conducted on other important issues such as price hike, energy crisis and how these can be addressed.
Productive discussion will really help the members win back the confidence and respect of the people.
