Lok Sabha passes Disabilities Bill

The winter session of Parliament has come to a close and no business has been transacted in the last 20 days.

With the exception of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill and the amendment to the Income Tax Bill, even Bills that were to be introduced have been ignored as uproar hijacked every day of the session.

In his valedictory remarks, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Hamid Ansari said,

“I had fervently hoped that I would not have to repeat what I said at the conclusion of the the 221st session in December 2013. My hope stands belied.

”Regular and continuous disruptions characterised the session. The symbolism of dignified protest, so essential for orderly conduct of parliamentary proceedings, was abandoned. This deprived Members of the opportunity to seek accountability of the Executive through Questions and discussions on matters of public concern.

The prohibition in the Rules against shouting slogans, displaying posters and obstructing proceedings by leaving their assigned places, was consistently ignore by all sections of the House. Peace prevailed only when obituaries were read.

All sections of the House need to introspect on the distinction between dissent, diruption and agitation.”