LS Speaker kick starts NE Assembly meet
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India
New Delhi, April 28 2011:
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar inaugurated the 13th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference on 'Financial Autonomy of Legislative Assembly Secretariat adhering to the provision of the Constitution of India' at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh today.
Stating that the Legislature embodies democracy in action and occupies a pre-eminent position in parliamentary democracy, Smt.
Kumar said that the range, magnitude and complexity of Legislature's activities have grown manifold over the years.
Now it is not merely an institutional arrangement but is that system whose success depends largely on its efficacy, accountability and responsiveness to the people.
People look towards their representatives at the Legislatures not only for addressing their concerns and grievances but also for the fulfillment of their hopes and expectations.
Focus is on quality of life in tune with the global standards.
For fulfilling its tasks with objectivity, impartiality and fairmindedness it is imperative that the functioning of Legislature is independent of the Executive.
Any subordination to outside authority is likely to prejudicially affect the functioning of Legislature.
Referring to the intention of the framers of the Constitution to ensure the independence of Legislature, Kumar said that for ensuring impartial and unimpaired exercise of powers by the Parliament, the Presiding Officers and the members of Parliament, the Constitution of India mandates independent status of the Secretariats of Parliament.
She also mentioned that the financial autonomy including in the preparation of Budget Estimates and incurring any expenditure within the allotted grants is a pre-requisite for ensuring such independent existence of Legislature.
On the occasion, Smt.
Kumar also stated that the issue before the Conference 'Financial Autonomy of Legislative Assembly Secretariat adhering to the provision of the Constitution of India' was of contemporary importance.
Besides constitutional provisions, legislative conventions, directions from the Chair and correspondence with the Executive from time to time also play a significant role in ensuring financial autonomy of the Legislature and the Secretariats.
She hoped that the deliberations and findings at this Conference would be instrumental in reinforcing the functioning of our Legislative Bodies.
Dignitaries who attended the Conference included Hon'ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Dorjee Khandu; Hon'ble Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Shri Wanglin Lowangdong; and Chairman, NERCPA, Shri Charles Pyngrope.