The real work of an MLA is to legislate and make good laws and therefore they need to study the procedures followed in the Assembly, stated Governor of Himachal Pradesh and former Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Rajendra Arlekar who was speaking as the Chief Guest for the inaugural function of 2-days training program held for MLAs of Goa organised by Goa Legislature Secretariat and Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini in the capital city today.
While speaking further, Shri Arlekar said when an MLA is in the House, all eyes are on his or her performance in the Assembly. Emphasizing the need to train MLAs on the procedures and practices of the House, Shri Arlekar said that whenever we recruit candidates for any work, we always ask them for their experience and qualification, however, no one asks an MLA if he has the required training in the procedures and conduct to be followed in the Assembly. MLAs also require training, he stressed.
If the Assembly is the temple of democracy, we have to treat it so and behave accordingly, said the Governor, adding that MLAs should not waste time of the Assembly, should acquaint themselves with the subject of discussion well and all should get an opportunity to speak in the House.
The Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant who was the Guest of Honour while congratulating the Speaker and Goa legislature for organising such a training program said that only few read Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the House. Dr Sawant said that this book of procedure is like a holy book if an MLA wishes to become successful because the effectiveness of an MLA is best decided on how he conducts himself/herself in the House.
He further stated that this training is for the benefit of not just the ruling but even the opposition, the latter’s presence which is much needed, to correct the ruling when they make mistakes. Knowing the procedure of the House and how to use the tools of the House is good for democracy, he said.
The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of the existence of Committees of Assembly formed, which he said can become mediums of constructive work. He also spoke of the need to conduct study tours to other State Assemblies for Legislature and Departmental studies.
Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar said that the training program was done keeping in mind that this time the State Assembly had around 19 new MLAs. He said that many MLAs are elected because of their contribution to society in various fields but doing such field work and working in the Assembly were two different things. He said that once a person is elected, there are a lot of expectations on the MLA from people and it is to give voice to these people that it’s important that MLAs familiarise themselves with working of the House.
Leader of Opposition, Shri Michael Lobo stating that such training programs were important said that if MLAs ask constructive questions in the House, issues can be resolved in the Assembly itself.