Discrimination on basis of religion, caste, gender unacceptable: Naidu

New Delhi: Discrimination by religion, caste or gender is unacceptable to any "nationalist", and everyone should follow this approach, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said Sunday.

Naidu, who is also the Rajya Sabha Chairman, called for deciding upon a national policy on the need for the Upper House in state legislatures and urged political parties to evolve a consensus on the code of conduct for their members both inside and outside legislatures.

He made the remarks during the launch of the book 'Moving on...Moving forward: A year in office'.

Noting that the last session was called the "Session for Social Justice", Naidu said it was essential to consider and pass legislation that reflects a collective commitment to social justice.

"To build a more inclusive society, there is a need to move towards ensuring proportional representation of all groups, especially those which have till now been under represented," he said.

There is a need to cleanse politics, strengthen parliamentary and governance institutions, give a big push to next level of reforms to harness the entrepreneurial and economic potential, harness the energies of young India, and ensure sustainable and remunerative agriculture, Naidu said. He also called for upholding the rich traditions of cultural diversity and nationalism.

"Nationalism, according to me - Bharat Mata ki Jai...it means 'Jai Ho' to all the 130 crore people irrespective of their caste, creed, sex or religion.

Talking about the issue of political defections, he said the anti-defection laws should be implemented in letter and spirit expeditiously, within three months.

Naidu called for the reservation for women in all spheres, including legislatures.

Voicing concern over the functioning of legislators in the country, he also urged parties to come together, transcending political considerations, on issues of national importance.

He also expressed his disappointment over the frequent disruptions in Rajya Sabha.

"I have not hesitated in recording in the book just now released, my disappointment over the functioning of Rajya Sabha during the first two sessions that I have presided over.

"But I have also referred to the new tidings during the recently concluded Monsoon Session raising hopes. So, there is hope, but we need to stay on course. My earnest endeavour has been to facilitate informed and dignified debates befitting the stature of this hallowed institution," he said.