Functioning of legislatures in the country is deteriorating, says Venkaiah Naidu at GMC Balayogi Lecture in Visakhapatnam

Bills not being discussed adequately, the former Vice-President remarks

The functioning of legislatures in our country is not in tune with the envisaged objectives, said former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu here on Wednesday.

“The success of democracy depends on the conduct of elected representatives, and if they cannot follow the defined track, then there is all possibility of derailment of democracy,” Mr. Venkaiah Naidu said.

The former Vice-President was delivering the first GMC Balayogi Endowment Lecture on ‘Parliamentary Democracy’ at Andhra University.

Parliamentary democracy is the best form of government, as people get to participate in decision-making either directly or mostly through their chosen representatives. So, a lot depends on the representatives, he said.

“But unfortunately, we are witnessing a steady drift away from the lofty intentions. This is quite disturbing and needs to be remedied before it is too late. The onus is on the people to select and elect the best,” Mr. Venkaiah Naidu said.

Quality debate is the essence of parliamentary democracy, but due to persistent disruptions, the functioning of the legislatures are being seriously compromised, be it in Parliament or in State legislatures, he said.

“Bills are not being adequately discussed and scrutinised and scores of bills are being passed without any debate in several legislatures. Major issues of public concern are not being taken up appropriately and this is quite disturbing,” said the former Vice-President.