Parliament convenes today in what will be a condensed monsoon session and will last until October 1 after a long break. Although the pandemic has prevented the complete operation of several institutions, Parliament is the most important one and it is imperative that its
officials meet with sufficient safeguards to address the several problems being faced by the country, and to legislate on many pending laws. It is a good start as Parliament is back in business.
Despite the fact that there will be no Query Hour, the most important thing is to ensure this session is efficient. There are 11 ordinances to be pushed forward by the legislature, though
the opposition has once again voiced concerns about this form of legislation. The government has to be consistent on its future Covid-19 policy, it has to be open on the reality of China's border incursions and the Indo China talks.
It must counter an economy that is wavering and explore mitigation steps beyond those already taken to get things back on track. Migrant workers' problem and large employment losses are a matter of concern and need to be discussed with a view to seeking alternatives that discourage party affiliations. The new Environmental Impact Assessment Legislation and the effects of natural disasters such as flooding in many areas of the world all deserve the lawmakers' consideration.
It can only be hoped that the session will not be disrupted by contentious issues like the one involving actor Sushant Singh Rajput ‘s death which has been heavily politicised with several media outlets and the public being overwhelmed with the situation. The Opposition has the right to discuss questions of public health, national security , social welfare and to point out the government's shortcomings.
The government has to act in an accommodating spirit and respond in a thorough and mature way. There is really no time to spare considering the challenges that India is facing on many fronts. Constructive dialogue is the best way forward, and the Parliament must use the small resources available to it to allow all views to be considered and to find alternatives for the greater common good.
