Raphael Warjri

Hon’ble Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker, Shri Thomas A Sangma, on Saturday, participated in the inaugural day of the 84th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) at the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly premises in Mumbai. 

The Conference was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the conference.

During the Conference the dignitaries are deliberating on the following agenda topics: (i) to strengthen people’s trust in democratic institutions - the need to maintain discipline and decorum in Parliament and the legislatures of States and UTs; and (ii) how to make the committee system more purposeful and effective.

The Hon'ble Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, on Saturday, participated on the topic ‘to strengthen people’s trust in democratic institutions - the need to maintain discipline and decorum in Parliament and the legislatures of States and UTs.’

In his speech, Shri Sangma stressed upon the need for members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies to uphold the prestige, decency, and decorum of the House and abide by its Rules and Procedures. 

He pointed out that creating unruly scenes inside the House does not give a good impression of the Members to the public. ‘Nowadays we can see Members rushing to the well of the House, carrying placards and disobeying rulings of the Presiding officer which is indeed very unfortunate and does not augur well for parliamentary democracy’ he said.  

Shri Sangma suggested members can raise their issues in an orderly manner and can also discuss their grievances with the Presiding officers outside the Chamber. 

He added that fortunately, debates and discussions in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly are always held in a decent manner with occasional heated exchanges, but decency and decorum of the House is always maintained. "We do not experience any pandemonium or rushing to the well of the House with placards but only occasional walk outs by some Members when they are not satisfied on some issues," he said. 

The Hon’ble Meghalaya Assembly Speaker also mentioned that there are occasions when presiding officers engage in discussions within their chambers with leaders from both the Treasury and Opposition sides, aiming to amicably resolve issues to the satisfaction of all parties involved.