From CK Nayak
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Monday assured the all-party legislature delegation of Meghalaya to strongly recommend the Centre for liberal assistance for construction of the State’s new Assembly building even as she assured to visit the hill state within the next few months.
Inaugurating the first-ever three-day orientation programme for the State MLAs in Parliament House, the Speaker observed that the socio-economic and political landscape of the society is changing rapidly and the legislators are expected to immediately assess the nuances and provide viable solutions within the parameters of parliamentary institutions.
On numerous occasions they are called upon to play their roles as a party member and as individual legislators, in a mutually exclusive manner, she said.
The Lok Sabha Speaker was of the opinion that for a democracy to flourish, it is necessary that diverse opinions are reflected in the legislature and are debated upon. Several rules, conventions and procedural devices have been evolved to facilitate meaningful discussions, she said.
Addressing the programme, Meghalaya Assembly Speaker AT Mondal said that the delegation comprises most of the 28 new faces which signifies the electorates’ desire for change. Such programme will immensely help the MLAs and this will be followed by similar programmes of Assembly officials and others, he said.
Mondal invited the Lok Sabha Speaker and others to Shillong which she accepted on the spot amid clapping from all MLAs and Ministers. She also individually met and greeted all those present from the State.
Among those who were present at the programme included Ampareen Lyngdoh, AL Hek, Clement R Marak, Zenith M Sangma, Deborah Ch Marak, James K Sangma, Dikkanchi D Shira and Ronnie V Lyngdoh.
The three-day orientation programme is being organized by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of the Lok Sabha Secretariat headed by its Advisor Raashid Alvi, who welcomed the gathering. The Secretary General of Lok Sabha, TK Viswanathan, proposed the vote of thanks.
Mondal also presented shawls and mementos to the Speaker and other dignitaries.
Altogether 36 State MLAs participated in the programme.
