New Delhi, May 14 (DHNS): On its 60th anniversary, Parliament has resolved to strengthen the democratic values and principles to make it an “effective” instrument of change, reaffirming its “total and binding” commitment to the ideals cherished by the founding fathers of the country.

In a special sitting on Sunday, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha committed to enhancing the accountability of government towards the people through Parliament. Vowing to “rededicate” themselves completely to the “sacred” task of nation building, they resolved to uphold and maintain Parliament’s dignity, sanctity and supremacy.

The resolution, passed unanimously in both Houses after over a five hour-long debate on the journey of Parliament since 1952, noted that a lot more remained to be done towards ensuring equity and justice in all matters, even as several steps have been taken to achieve it in the past 60 years.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged parliamentarians to honour the rule of procedures and conduct of Parliament, saying disruption of the proceedings of the Houses on a routine basis has created a sense of “frustration and disillusionment” among the people.

“The manner in which we have conducted our affairs, especially over the past couple of years has created a sense of frustration and disillusionment among the people. The daily routine of disruptions, adjournments and shouting in the House are leading many outside to question the efficacy of this institution and its place in public affairs,” he said, suggesting that that it was a moment for “some candid and serious introspection”.

As members recalled with gratitude the “immense” sacrifice made by the freedom fighters and the “stellar role” played by the framers of the Constitution, Singh urged the members to lead by example if the venerability of the seat of democracy has to be restored in public eye.

“Unless we can find some way to resolve the growing impasse in the functioning of Parliament, public disenchantment will only grow. The leaders of political parties should sit together to find ways to raise issues, small or big, and air differences in a manner that does not stall Parliament at every occasion,” he said.

He further pointed out that members of Parliament had “sacred and solemn” responsibility to the people who elected them. “But equally we bear a moral responsibility to do what is right by the generations still to come. We must therefore always keep in mind that our conduct and the actions we take here today determine the state of the nation we will bequeath to our children and grandchildren,” he said.

“If we maintain mutual respect, every problem could be solved through discussions,” six-term MP and senior BJP leader L K Advani said.

Leader of the Lower House Pranab Mukherjee, too, flagged the issue of regular disruption of the proceedings of Parliament. “If we disrupt the House then it serves no purpose because we cannot hear. We cannot speak and only a handful of members can completely throttle the desires of an irate majority,” he said, immediately clarifying that he was not blaming any particular member or party.

Fact file

* The first Lok Sabha was constituted on April17, 1952

* Its first sitting on May 13, 1952, began with a two-minute silence

* The Parliament House was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker

* The total cost of construction was Rs 83 lakh