Mahajan tells MPs to follow rules as people are watching

New Delhi: Concerned over frequent disruptions in Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday said that Members of the Parliament should realise that people are watching the frequent disruptions in Parliament and will take an "appropriate decision" at election time.

Ahead of the Monsoon session, which is likely to begin next month, a "hurt and pained" Mahajan said, "The Parliament is a place to "discuss, debate and decide" and all MPs should follow rules, but what is happening is disruptions."

Replying to questions about MPs coming into the Well of the house, the speaker said that all MPs follow their party's agenda and the decisions taken by their party leaders.

"All MPs have been given rulebook, they should follow rules. It hurts and pains me when the house gets adjourned due to disruptions. The leaders of all parties also have a responsibility to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament," Mahajan said at an event in the national capital.

Mahajan spoke at length about the relevance of discussion and debate in Parliament and suggested that leaders should take note of the frequent disruptions in both houses. "MPs should realise that people are watching them. And they will take an appropriate decision after five years," she said in response to a question.

Discussing the role of the media, she said, "It tends to ignore good speeches and debates in Parliament and focuses only on disruptions." Mahajan, who has been a strong supporter of the women's reservation bill, asked the gathering to look at the quality of the work done by women MPs in the current Lok Sabha.

She suggested that there should be 'tailor-made jobs' for women who work and also handle homes. Mahajan also appealed to all political parties to come together for passing "in a respectful manner" the bill to give 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures.