File Photo: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. (Press Trust of India)
An orientation programme for MLAs should be organized on the eve of every Assembly session to make them aware of their responsibilities and rights in the House, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said today.
He was addressing the MLAs on the subject 'Use of Information and Technology (IT) in the functioning of Vidhan Sabha' at the MLAs' orientation programme held.
"In order to make MLAs efficient in the use of IT, the state government would organize a 20-hour training programme in collaboration with the Haryana Knowledge Corporation," Mr Khattar said.
Apart from this, the MLAs could enroll themselves for a 144-hour course at their own will to become efficient in IT, the Chief Minister said as he asked the MLAs to prepare a data bank of their respective parliamentary constituencies.
He said efforts would be made to ensure that IT requirements of MLAs were fulfilled in the House.
"We all can realise the dream of e-Parliament or e-Vidhan Sabha with the use of IT. Democracy is like a gift for us and it is our duty to maintain its dignity," he added.
After the formation of the BJP government, programmes such as CM Window, e-Registration and 'Harsamay' Portal have been initiated to ensure full transparency in works related to the people of the state, the chief minister said.
"These are yielding fruitful results and efforts are now being made to set up single window system and data digitisation," he said.
Stressing on the need to increase the duration of the Assembly session, Mr Khattar said his government wants every MLA to get sufficient time to put forth the problems of the people of his area in the House.
He also urged all MLAs to rise above party considerations and work together against social evils like female foeticide.
Presiding over the programme, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda thanked Assembly Speaker Kanwar Pal for organising the orientation programme.
Referring to the subject of Governor's address and the importance of discussion on Budget, Hooda said MLAs should not enter the House without preparation.
"As people who have elected them watch the proceedings on television during the session, they should raise the issues pertaining to their areas," he said.
Leader of Opposition Abhay Chautala said it was the responsibility of the Speaker that every MLA gets a chance to put forth his views.
"This would reduce mud-slinging and sarcasm in the House," he said.
He welcomed the statement of the state government to increase the duration of the Vidhan Sabha session.
Later, the Speaker, Kanwar Pal, thanked every one and said that in all 78 MLAs participated in the orientation programme during which senior members shared their experiences with new members.
On this occasion, the Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma presented his views on 'Special Rights of MLA'; former Minister and MLA Randeep Singh Surjewala on 'Importance of Vidhan Sabha Committees'; MLA Karan Singh Dalal on 'Raising Important Issues during Zero Hour'; and MLA Ranbir Singh on 'Discussion on Functioning of MLA'.