New Delhi; 19 June : Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who has completed four years in office of Speaker today, chaired a review session of the Chintan Shivir organized for officers and officials of Lok Sabha Secretariat in Parliament House Complex, today. Two phases of Chintan Shivir were organized in April and May of this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Birla said that the work culture at Lok Sabha Secretariat should be such that the institution serves as a model for offices from around the nation to aspire to. Shri Birla exhorted the employees of the Secretariat to serve as active participants in the process of change and improvement. He added that they must make the most of opportunities to improve themselves.
Chintan Shivir is a unique and pioneering initiative for facilitating meaningful and purposeful discussion and deliberations. The purpose is to reflect on administrative issues to keep the soul and mind of Lok Sabha Secretariat officials fresh and to remain connected to the aspirations of people.
On this occasion, several achievements of the 17th Lok Sabha, which completed four years today, were also discussed.
Historic Productivity
The 17th Lok Sabha has been historic for the several achievements and right decisions it has made so far. Even Covid-19 could not deter the spirit of Members of the 17th Lok Sabha. Despite the challenges posed by the Pandemic and curtailment of Parliament sessions on many occasions, the first eleven sessions of 17th Lok Sabha have 230 sittings which is higher than that of the 16th Lok Sabha.
During the first eleven sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha, total of 169 Government Bills have been passed which is significantly higher in comparison to the first eleven sessions of the 15th and the 16th Lok Sabha where 140 and 134 Government Bills were passed respectively.
During the first eleven sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha, a total of 2405 times members participated in discussion over Government Bills, including participation by Women Members 367 times. The 17th Lok Sabha was also a pioneer in ensuring the role of women members in improving legislative functions, policy-making and program implementation. In the last four years, 367 women members participated in the discussion on Bills.
Productivity till the eleventh session of the 17th Lok Sabha stands at 93.09 percent which is higher than the corresponding period of the 14th, 15th and 16th Lok Sabhas.
GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY
The Lok Sabha Secretariat on the initiative of Hon’ble Speaker, Shri Om Birla during the 17th Lok Sabha has started monitoring replies from Ministries to Matters raised under Rule 377. In order to ensure early replies, the matters were constantly pursued with Ministries. As a result, the percentage of replies to matters under Rule 377 during the 1st to the 11th Session of the 17th Lok Sabha rose to 89.92% as compared to 56.76% and 43.87% in the 15th and 16th Lok Sabha respectively, during the corresponding period. It reflects the arduous efforts made by the Hon’ble Speaker to focus on good governance.
Smart Parliament: Use of Technology
Lok Sabha Speaker is continuously encouraging Members to use technology for better and more effective functioning of the Parliament. During the four years of the 17th Lok Sabha, the usage of technology has increased significantly in the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Members are now submitting notices through online portal to the maximum extent possible and resultantly the percentage of e-notices received has increased from 44.22% in the last Session of 16th Lok Sabha to 95.94% during the last Session held, i.e., 11 Session of 17th Lok Sabha.
Effective, efficient, and inclusive functioning of Parliamentary Committees
Lok Sabha Speaker has laid strong emphasis on making the functioning of Parliamentary Committees more effective, efficient, and inclusive, with the use of technology. The Speaker has facilitated the committees with in-depth examinations of issues for a better and more professional approach towards reports and recommendations.
During the last four years, Shri Birla has made comprehensive efforts to ensure that people’s representatives have access to all the required necessities so they can participate in House processes in an effective manner. These efforts inter alia include improvement in existing residential and logistical facilities, construction of new accommodation amenities, usage of the latest digital tools, health awareness initiatives, and Covid-19 related facilities.
To achieve the goal , Digital Sansad, a mission mode Project of the Indian Parliament has been rolled out using cutting-edge technologies, aimed at bridging the gap between the legislature and the constituents that it represents. It is a platform envisioned to bring citizens, elected representatives and all other stakeholders together to enable the parliamentarians to efficiently discharge their functions and responsibilities. It is a ‘one-stop, seamless, paperless & sophisticated platform that will continue to evolve, modernize and innovate as per the changing dynamics.
ECONOMY IN EXPENDITURE
Effective monitoring and economy in expenditure has resulted in saving of Rs. 801.46 crore under the budget grant of Lok Sabha/Lok Sabha Secretariat during the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2023) which is substantially higher than 14th, 15th and 16th Lok Sabha.
