MAPUSA
Gone are the days when assembly sessions would go on for almost a month and legislators would engage in lengthy debates discussing bills and issues concerning the common man.
But off late, holding long assembly sessions seems to have become passé and short sessions the new normal.
Ramakant Khalap
Former Mandrem MLA Ramakant Khalap said legislators must get maximum opportunity to raise every question that affects the life of Goans.
“The practice is that the ruling party as well as the opposition take the government to task. They may use different language to raise issues but they need an opportunity. Therefore, cutting short assembly sessions to one week or three days for official work and one day for private members' bill and then going home is not conducive to a healthy democracy,” Khalap said.
He said the government must understand that the short duration of sessions affects not only the calibre of the opposition MLAs but of their own people.
Sadanand Malik
“Ever since the BJP formed the government, the number of working days is getting reduced in Goa Assembly. It’s not a good sign for the State because the voice of the opposition is also important. They have to raise the issues. Then there is no debate on legislation. So, bills are passed without any discussion. And many times, hurriedly passed,” said Sadanand Malik, ex-MLA of Pale (now Sanquelim).
Radharao Gracias
According to Adv Radharao Gracias, former MLA of Loutolim (now Nuvem), everybody wanted to avoid discussion because there was so much to be exposed.
“When issues are raised in the House the government cannot answer. Therefore, they prefer to run away from long sessions. Nowadays, hardly any laws are being amended or discussed. Everything is so peaceful…So probably they feel there is no need to discuss anything and the sessions are cut short. And nobody reacts. The opposition does not react and the MLAs also do not react. Everyone is happy.” Gracias added.
“Apart from a few exceptions, the debating standard is deteriorating. First of all, you don’t get the time to raise an issue. So, when the MLA knows there is no time to debate, he does not bother to study the issue. If there is more time given to speak then there is pressure on the MLA to prepare and come. Or else he gets exposed,” Malik said.
