Devote more time on money matters, MLAs told
By CK Nayak
SHILLONG: Favouring longer sessions of Parliament and state Assemblies for extensive deliberation on various financial matters of government, President Pranab Mukherjee has asked legislators to devote more time in the scrutiny of any expenditure proposal meant for the development of the State in the Assembly as there is hardly any discussion taking place in this regard.
Addressing the state legislators at Meghalaya Legislative Assembly at Rilbong on Monday, the President said, “Since there is not much discussion taking place in the Assembly on matters related to Budget, more time should be given to “debate, discuss and scrutinize the expenditure proposal so that the Executives will be on toes”.
The President said that Legislative Assembly is the master of Executive in matters of taxation and finance.
“There is a need to have the effective use of resources. You (MLAs) are the real masters as Executive in matters of taxation and finance. The time devoted to discussion on financial matters is not enough and Assemblies could hold more frequent sessions, sit for longer periods and this is essential if democracy has to be strengthened, ” he said.
According to the President, the elected representatives should be extremely vigilant as far as the use of time in discussing the proposals involving “money in Assembly is concerned”.
Mukherjee also expressed concern over the short session of the House and frequent disruptions in Assemblies and Parliament by the members.
“Every legislator has got his job after begging people for their votes. And after gaining their trust it would not be fair if a MLA does not discharge his responsibilities,” Mukherjee asserted.
No amount is passed or withdrawn without the approval of Assembly and no amount could be spent on any services unless it is approved by the Assembly, President said adding “And moreover, withdrawal of money from the consolidated fund of the State is the exclusive domain of yours”.
Explaining about the role and power of the legislators, Mukherjee said each amount passed by the legislature is further scrutinized by the CAG and the executives are even asked to clarify on many lapses on the use of funds for various schemes.
Moreover finally, the Public Accounts Committee of the House has the power to further examine the CAG findings.
The President reminded that the first budget of the Country for the year 1947-48 was only Rs 271 crore whereas the total budget for the country currently is Rs 16 lakh crore indicating the changing times and the need. He also said that the plan outlay for the 12h five year plan is Rs 86 lakh crore.
The President stressed that the House should meet very often and extend session to several weeks so that this will be a means to strengthen democracy and the desire of people will also be fulfilled this way.
Earlier, the President congratulated the members of the Assembly for the large turnout of voters in the last Assembly elections and also for transacting business with least disruption.