Intense debate on Guv's address must, says O Joy
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 08 2023:
Veteran politician O Joy has stated that it would be best for both the ruling and opposition to discuss the address given by the Governor in the state Assembly, in detail.
Speaking to The People's Chronicle, O joy said that in the old days, members of both the ruling and opposition used to discuss the Governor's address for 2-3 days.
In present times, the debates are merely done as a formality, which is unfortunate.
The Governor's address is about the government's plans and as such, the ruling members should speak in support of the address, while the opposition should point out vital issues left out from the address.
He continued: "The Governor's address is one of the biggest debates ever done.
If this was in the American Congress, the government would have been blamed for the water shortage and absence of measures to address the spirit of the republic and meant for discussing issues in the Parliament or the Assembly, not for petty fights.
"Almost all the Commonwealth nations including India follow the practice of the president or governor making a written verbal speech at the first session of the Parliament or Assembly for the year and after a general election.
This practice was first introduced in the British Parliament, with pre-independent India doing the same from 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919.The address is either made in English or Hindi or in the mother tongue.
In addition, the Governor s address is prepared by the government and approved by the cabinet and is considered as a declaration of the policies of the government.
"After the address is either made by the President or the Governor, a member moves a motion for the government to appreciate the address.
Another member then extends support, followed by the opposition moving amendment motions to hold a debate over the motion of thanks.
This is the biggest and important ceremonial event under the Constitution to showcase the beauty of parliamentary democracy.
This is also a reminder of the times when a king meets his subjects to discuss issues related to the kingdom.
Thus, the event is held in such a way that the prime minister and his ministers and opposition leaders change their seats for a day to symbolise a democratic public gathering," he added.