Bills for removal of PM, mantris: Birla hopes oppn will reconsider JPC boycott

BHUBANESWAR: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said opposition parties will be persuaded to participate in the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) examining three bills that propose the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Union ministers, CMs and state/UT ministers, if detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges.Addressing a news conference in Bhubaneswar, Birla acknowledged the INDIA bloc's decision to boycott the JPC but expressed hope that opposition members would reconsider and join the scrutiny process. "We will engage in discussions with all political parties. We have requested names from all political parties for the committee. We will soon form the JPC for comprehensive discussions," Birla said in response to media queries.He also voiced concern over what he termed premeditated disruptions in Parliament by opposition parties. "Whether it's Parliament or state assemblies, these are platforms for discussion. Dissent has always been a strength of our democracy," he said, adding that legislative bodies must ensure extensive debate on national issues and law-making. "It is a matter of concern for all of us that there are premeditated disruptions in the assemblies and Parliament.

Planned disruptions are not suitable for democracy. There can be agreement and disagreement, differences in ideologies and thoughts, but in a democratic framework, dialogue and discussion will yield results," Birla said.He said people expect their representatives to address regional and national challenges through meaningful debate, which in turn draws the govt's attention to public concerns. "My constant effort is to ensure that debate is productive.

Our democracy should be robust, enabling us to meet the expectations of the country's citizens," Birla said.The speaker was addressing the media following the conclusion of a two-day national conference of chairpersons of parliamentary and assembly committees on the welfare of SCs and STs. "We regularly engage in discussions with all political parties, both inside and outside the House, to ensure that debates are conducted with decorum.

People expect leaders to engage in healthy and meaningful debates. Our democracy's strength lies in this," he added.Birla said based on recommendations from the conference, a comprehensive welfare plan would be formulated to strengthen constitutional guarantees and improve the delivery of social welfare schemes for SCs and STs. He noted that parliamentary committees play a critical role in ensuring that funds allocated for welfare are properly utilised, advising central and state govts on scheme modifications and new initiatives.

Though advisory in nature, these committees often influence govt action, enabling the govt to adopt innovations and technologies for better outcomes.Birla stressed that both state assemblies and Parliament must collaborate to ensure inclusive law-making. Conferences like the one in Bhubaneswar promote the sharing of best practices and innovations, helping legislative bodies shape policies that reflect public input and advance social equity, he said.