Panaji: Frequent disruptions and brief sessions of state legislatures weaken legislators’ ability to perform their constitutional functions, said governor P A Gajapathi Raju on Friday.Legislators should be given adequate time to raise “issues affecting citizens” in their respective states, Raju said at the valedictory function of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone VII Conference.“Frequent disruptions or limited sittings diminish the opportunity for meaningful debate and weaken the ability of legislators to perform their constitutional functions,” he said. “Adequate sittings are essential to ensure that legislation, financial scrutiny and public issues receive the attention that they deserve.”Raju said that the two key aspects of legislative functioning are a sufficient number of working days of the legislatures, and productivity and quality of deliberations within the House.The governor also underlined the centrality of the opposition in a functioning democracy. “The opposition is not merely a political adversary but an integral component of the democratic framework. Democracy thrives when govts and opposition alike work together within the institutional framework of legislatures,” he said.Raju said that policymakers need to ensure environmental sustainability and balanced development.“Our Parliament and state legislatures are not merely institutions to make laws. They are the primary forum through which the voice of the people finds expression. For democracy to flourish, a healthy debate within legislative bodies is essential,” he said.Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, who was also present for the event, said that disagreements are signs of a healthy democratic system.“The House is meant for discussions, debate on issues. It should be done in an appropriate manner with agreement and dissent, but disruption is not appropriate. We have asked all political parties and MPs to maintain decorum, avoid sloganeering and unparliamentary language in Parliament,” said Birla.
