In a recent session of Lok Sabha, a seemingly light-hearted yet pointed exchange occurred between Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister for Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, offering a lesson in parliamentary etiquette. The interaction, while brief, underscored the importance of respectful and appropriate communication within the House.
The incident unfolded during a Question Hour when a query was raised regarding challenges faced by migrant laborers concerning Ayushman Bharat cards. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had asked a question about difficulties faced by migrant labourers in Delhi and West Bengal in the absence of Ayushman Bharat cards. Minister Puri began responding in English, at which point Speaker Birla gently suggested that he use Hindi, if possible.
Puri then remarked that he could answer in Punjabi, given that Manoj Tiwari understands the language. He then added, "...But a direction from the Chair comes on the use of language,”. Speaker Birla responded, "You know many languages. You can reply in English as well. That is not a problem". He further added, "If you want to reply in Punjabi, you have to give it to me in writing".
The exchange continued when Puri mentioned that while the Ayushman Bharat card didn't fall under his direct purview, he was open to discussing the matter with Tiwari and Nishikant Dubey to find a solution and to urge the Chief Ministers of Delhi and West Bengal to implement the card. Birla then pointed out that Ayushman Bharat was not Mr. Puri's subject. Puri responded, “It's not my subject but we want to implement it. We have can have a chai per charcha [discussion over tea]. You give directions. You can give directions to the Aam Admi Party or Trinamool Congress to implement it,”. Mr Birla responded by saying, “You are a Minister. We can't direct any party from here [the Chair]. We can tell Union Ministers”.
While details of the full exchange are limited, the essence of the interaction highlights the Speaker's role in maintaining order and decorum during parliamentary proceedings. The Speaker is responsible for ensuring that discussions remain focused on the agenda and that Members of Parliament adhere to the established rules of engagement. This includes the language used and the relevance of the responses provided.
The Speaker's gentle correction served as a reminder of the importance of addressing the Chair with due respect and maintaining a courteous tone, even when engaging in spirited debate. It subtly reinforced the idea that effective communication involves not only the content of the message but also the manner in which it is conveyed. The incident also subtly brought attention to the fact that ministers are expected to address questions directly and within the scope of their ministerial responsibilities.
This episode serves as a reminder that parliamentary etiquette plays a crucial role in fostering a productive and respectful environment within the legislative body. By upholding these standards, the Speaker contributes to ensuring that debates are conducted with civility and that the focus remains on serving the best interests of the nation.
