Pivotal role as an intermediary

Somnath Chatterjee, The Speaker, Lok Sabha: Address at the All India Presiding Officers Conference, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 17 November 2005

In a parliamentary democracy, the Legislatures articulate the will of the people. Naturally, the legislators, as the people’s representative act as the closest intermediaries between the people and the Legislature on the one hand and between the people and the government on the other, which provides a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. To effectively serve as the representatives of the people, members have to decide how they can meet the multifarious demands of individuals and those of the constituency as a whole; and what strategies they should devise to use the existing legislative mechanisms and devices to raise issues inside the House for solutions. The crucial task before them is to reconcile their constituency-specific commitments with the wider goals before the country. In this context, we must bear in mind the broadening gamut of Executive actions, the changing size and composition of the electorate and their behaviour and the defining role of technology.

• In our country, the range and complexity of legislations and policy commitments arising out of our distinct socio-economic problems have brought forth a fundamental change in our political environment and our members function under testing conditions.
• A member is in an ideal position to use his grassroot knowledge and understanding to mould the contents of public policy, and contribute to the legislative process by overseeing the performance of the government.
• Development poses the primary challenge to the legislators. The pre-eminence of economic activity in the development of various sectors of society makes it imperative to strengthen the link between the citizens and their representatives.
• A legislator is also an educator, who can effectively raise the level of political consciousness of the people. By virtue of his special position as the community leader, he can help in moulding public opinion, mobilizing people to support or oppose a particular idea or initiative, and in sensitizing them about various governmental programmes and policies.
• The role of members in conflict resolution in the society can hardly be over-emphasized. Resource constraints and regional disparities in terms of economic development are some crucial aspects which we all have to confront as elected representatives.
• Our Legislative Bodies also act as channels of communication between the people and the government, where members play the pivotal role of both motivators and facilitators. It is through this interaction that the government comes to know about diverse and differing perceptions on its policies and programmes, more notably on those which directly impinge on developmental concerns.
• The socio-economic transformation which we are witnessing in our country today has brought forth various opportunities and challenges, which have to be effectively utilized and managed by all concerned.
• In recent times, various developments like televising and web-casting of parliamentary proceedings, computerization of library and information management, video conferencing and other technological innovations have impacted on the role of members. Technology has, in fact, strengthened the position of the citizens as well, and they can now evaluate the performance of their representatives more closely and regularly, give their opinions on crucial issues, and if necessary, form pressure groups to air their concerns on issues affecting or likely to affect them.

Friends, good governance presupposes just and dignified living conditions for all citizens. It also warrants that administrative authority is exercised for the overall socio-economic and political development of the people as a whole. In such a scenario, the legislators can help to create a healthy environment, facilitate broad consensus on complex issues, and lead from the front for the socio-economic emancipation of the people. In fact, the success and future of our democratic system will depend on how effectively we anticipate the social needs of various segments of our population, mould the existing social structures and reawaken social consciousness of our people. Home Speaker's Office Role of Speaker Speeches Profile Former Speaker Events Press Release Contact Related Links