Speaker cracks the whip

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG. 23. If the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr. G. M. C. Balayogi, has his way, frequent disturbances and adjournments in the House may become a thing of the past, for he intends to get the rules of procedure changed to provide for members being automatically suspended for a week if they walk into the well of the House or make noise that disturbs the regular business. And he intends to use the new stick. At a meeting of party leaders convened by him here this morning, Mr. Balayogi said it was becoming increasingly difficult to conduct the House business in an orderly fashion. The situation was ``grim'' and it called for urgent attention. He suggested changes in the rules to allow for ``automatic suspension'' of members who defy the chair, break the decorum or in any way make it impossible for the House to function.

Party leaders across the political spectrum supported the move, and it was agreed that a meeting of the rules committee would be convened on Monday, August 27 (Mr. Balayogi is the chairman), to discuss the matter and submit a report. This would be placed in the House. Reportedly, the Samajwadi Party member, Mr. Beni Prasad Verma, expressed reservations about the ``automatic suspension'' saying sometimes circumstances compelled members to go to the well of the House to protest extraordinary incidents needing urgent attention.

The Speaker pointed out that in the 22 days of the current monsoon session, 28 hours and 49 minutes had been wasted, and not only the Opposition parties but also those of the ruling benches had contributed to the forced adjournments. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr. Pramod Mahajan, apparently admitted that he was ``ashamed'' particularly when MPs of ruling parties broke the protocol - although no party was named. The reference was perhaps to the DMK and the Samata Party.

It was also suggested that the Speaker call a meeting of editors and senior journalists to ask them not to encourage bad behaviour among MPs through extensive coverage to disturbances in the House. However, it was felt that the members should first attempt to set their house in order. Separately, at a meeting of the Lok Sabha Business Advisory Committee this afternoon, the Government indicated that it would like to place before the House for consideration and passing the Freedom of Information Bill next week.

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