Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Tuesday that dissent should be expressed within the dignity and decorum of the House. Addressing the concluding session of the orientation program for the members of Rajasthan Assembly, Birla said that it is of utmost importance for the members to set the highest standards of conduct in the House.

“In a democracy, there can be differences of opinion on policies and issues, but dissent and disagreement should be expressed within the ambit of dignity and decorum of the House,” he said.

Birla stressed that there should be no disruption in the House during the addresses of the President and the Governor. Noting that these are sacred occasions in our parliamentary system, he advised members to be honest during these addresses.

Noting that it is the important responsibility of every member to make the House the cornerstone of democracy, he urged the members to devote their entire time to the House. The Lok Sabha Speaker said that learning from others would broaden the perspective of members and help them deliver speeches more effectively.

He also suggested the members to read old debates, laws and rules, which would help them become better legislators. Birla said that as members of the Legislative Assembly, it is their responsibility to fulfill the hopes, expectations and aspirations of the people they represent.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said that members, as public representatives, should regularly communicate with grassroots level elected organizations in their area, participate in development activities and raise their issues in the House.

He suggested that members should be technology-friendly and use technology as an effective tool to connect with people at the grassroots level.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)