New Lok Sabha MPs advised to maintain sanctity of Parliament

The appeal came from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury during an orientation programme for the new lawmakers.

In his inaugural address at the orientation programme of newly-elected members of the 17th Lok Sabha, the defence minister cautioned them that during heated debate in the House, they should think before expressing their dissent.

He advised the members to objectively study and to share information about other religions also.

Dedicate, participate and deliberate

Earlier, addressing the members, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla advised the MPs to give maximum time to Parliament and imbibe the wisdom and experience of senior members. They, Mr Birla said, should go through all the records of the bicameral Temple of Democracy.

The parliamentary affairs minister asked the MPs to dedicate, participate and deliberate in the proceedings of the House of the People.

Mr Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Opposition was instrumental in safeguarding freedom and part of the unique checks and balances in a democracy.

The Speaker asked them to make optimum use of facilities like Question Hour, Zero Hour, discussions and private member bills.

The defence minister also advised the new members to refrain from making tall promises in front of the people. Mr Singh told the members there should not be any difference between their words and deeds.

He also advised the members that they should be known for their work and should avoid egoism.

Singh told the newly elected members that they should keep abreast of rules and procedures of Parliament. He said the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha was a golden opportunity for the MPs and they should utilise it properly.

He also advised the members to be specific during Question Hour.