You must have also seen Speaker Om Birla’s style in Parliament. Often he is seen explaining to opposition MPs and making them sit. But on Wednesday, an interesting incident was seen in the Lok Sabha, when the ‘Headmaster’ of the House, i.e. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, taught the rules to a senior minister of his own government. The matter was of discussion on Atomic Energy Amendment Bill. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was replying on the bill in the House, when he reacted directly to the comment of an opposition MP. On this, Speaker Om Birla immediately intervened and giving advice to the Minister said in clear words, it is my job to give a chance to whom to speak, not yours.
What was the whole matter?
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is holding the charge of Atomic Energy Department in the House, was replying to the discussion on ‘Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill’. This bill is considered very important for India’s energy security and future needs. The minister was presenting the government’s side with full enthusiasm and arguments. He was explaining how this amendment would bring a revolution in India’s nuclear energy sector.
Meanwhile, an MP from the opposition bench made a comment. Usually, when a minister is speaking in Parliament, opposition MPs raise questions or comments. The rule says that the minister should continue his speech and address only the ‘Chair/Speaker’. But, Dr. Jitendra Singh stopped his speech and started replying directly to the opposition MP. Probably the Minister was telling the MP to speak later or let him speak.
Taking the speaker’s ‘class’
As soon as the Union Minister tried to interrupt or direct the opposition MP, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla interrupted him. Om Birla, who is known for his strict but witty tone to maintain discipline in the House, reminded Minister Jitendra Singh who is in control of the House.
Om Birla said smilingly but in a strict tone, Minister, you keep your point. It is my job to decide who should be allowed to speak and who should not, not yours. You address the seat.
On this comment of the Speaker, there was silence in the House for a few moments and then light laughter was also heard. This was a clear message that whether it is an MP or a Union Minister, interference in the jurisdiction of the ‘Speaker’s Chair’ will not be accepted. The Speaker clarified that the role of traffic controller in the House is only that of the Speaker.
Why was such a serious discussion taking place?
When this incident happened, the House was discussing a very serious and technical topic. The ‘Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill’ which Dr. Jitendra Singh was advocating for passage, aims to bring major changes in India’s nuclear energy sector. Till now only government departments or public sector units could work in the field of nuclear energy. Through this amendment, the government wants to allow Atomic Energy Corporation to form joint ventures with other public undertakings. A huge amount of capital is required to set up a nuclear power plant. Passing of this bill will open avenues for investment in the nuclear sector.
