New Delhi: Walkouts and disruptions in Parliament have become fairly common. Coupled with that are the scenes of many MPs, and ministers, often playing truant. So, what you get is a terrible report card.
Last year, the Parliament's report card is abysmal.
- In 2008 the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha each had less than 50 sittings
- Rs 6 crores were lost because of disruptions
But things could change if a private member bill -- backed by Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari gets the government's nod -- then disrupting Parliament could actually be against the Constitution.
The bill, if passed, will make it compulsory for the house to have at least one hundred sittings a year.
On paper, all parties support the move and sources say it has the PM's approval as well.
The bill comes up for discussion on Friday. So, will the government take the first crucial step towards a more efficient parliament?
Says Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha K Rehman Khan: "The government can adopt the bill and then bring appropriate legislation."
"It is better if convention is followed. But if not then law is needed," adds legal expert Ram Jethamalani.
But even those supporting the bill wonder who will take the blame if Parliament doesn't record 100 day sittings. Today it is breach of convention. If made a law -- it will be a breach of Constitution.