Parliament completes 60 years; MPs resolve to uphold dignity

Parliament resolved to uphold and maintain its dignity, sanctity and supremacy as its celebrated its 60th anniversary on Sunday.

Members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha resolved to enhance the accountability of Government towards people through Parliament's oversight and rededicate themselves for nation building.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil said as the world's largest democracy, India can be proud that since winning its freedom and adopting a Constitution, it has continuously walked the path of democracy.

"Skeptics, in those early post-Independence days, doubted whether democracy in such a large and diverse country could possibly survive. We proved them wrong. Over and over again, repeatedly, in accordance with the Constitution, representatives to Parliament, State Legislatures and Local Bodies have been chosen through electoral exercises, which have been fair and open. Our record has been remarkable and there is widespread acclaim about the tenacious manner in which we have adhered to democracy," she said.

"Until now, India has demonstrated its unflinching commitment to democracy through a consultative and participatory approach. Democracy cannot be allowed to falter, for it is the very essence of our nationhood."

On May 13 1952, the Indian Parliament met for its first session, after the first Lok Sabha elections. The Parliament, which is the supreme legislative body in India, is made up of the 245-member Rajya Sabha and the 545-member Lok Sabha.


Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Sunday termed Parliament's first session as a milestone and said the ocassion was an opportunity for members to introspect and think about the future.

The Vice President of India M Hamid Ansari said Parliament is central to economic reform and development as these hinge on bringing about new laws, amending old ones and harmonizing differences.

As we see nation after nation suffering from fiscal problems, it is the key responsibility of Parliaments around the world in prudent fiscal management and ensuring financial accountability, he reminded.

In his speech, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sought "candid and serious introspection" on the "daily routine of disruptions" of parliamentary proceedings which leads to "frustration and disillusionment" among people.

"If we are to restore the prestige of this institution, each and every one of us must lead by example. We need to resolve that the Rules of Procedure and conduct that we have collectively evolved would be honoured in letter and spirit. Unless we can find some way to resolve the growing impasse in the functioning of Parliament, public disenchantment will only grow," the Prime minister said.

In a special sitting on Sunday, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha committed to enhancing the accountability of government towards the people through Parliament.

The resolution, passed unanimously in both Houses after over a five hour-long debate on the journey of Parliament since 1952, noted that a lot more remained to be done towards ensuring equity and justice in all matters, even as several steps have been taken to achieve it in the past 60 years.

The resolution was read out in the Lok Sabha by Speaker Meira Kumar and in the Rajya Sabha by Chairman M Hamid Ansari.