New Delhi:
Walkouts and disruptions in Parliament have become fairly common - that coupled with many MPs and ministers often playing truant and what one gets is a terrible report card.
Last year, Parliament's report card was abysmal.
In 2008 the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha each had less than 50 sittings and 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.
"The bill seeks constitutional amendment. To make 100 sittings mandatory, of Parliament and state assemblies," said K Rehman Khan, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
On paper, all parties support the move. And sources say it has the PM's approval as well.
"What we have heard is that the PM has agreed," said BJP leader, M Venkaiah Naidu.
The bill comes up for discussion on Friday.
So will the government take the first crucial step towards a more efficient parliament?
"The government can adopt the bill and then bring appropriate legislation," said K Rehman Khan.
"It's better if convention is followed. But if not then law is needed," observed 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 breach of constitution.