Ask sharpest of questions in Parliament, but allow govt to respond: PM to MPs, parties

NEW DELHI: Prime Minster Narendra Modi on Monday said that it should make us proud that several women, people belonging to the SC, ST and OBC communities have taken oath as Union ministers.
The PM made these comments while introducing newly inducted Union ministers in the Lok Sabha. The PM's speech was disrupted by slogan shouting from opposition members.
"It seems some people cannot digest that more women, SC, ST and OBC community members are becoming ministers," PM Modi said amid ruckus in the Lok Sabha.
PM urges for constructive debate
Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged for a constructive debate and said MPs should ask sharp and hard questions but should allow the government to put forth its answers.
PM said he wants meaningful discussions in Parliament over the Covid pandemic which has gripped the entire world.
"I urge all MPs and political parties to ask the sharpest and the toughest of questions but they should also allow the government to respond in a cordial environment as democracy is strengthened by conveying the truth to the people," Modi said.
It increases the trust of the people and improves the pace of development, he added.
In his remarks before the monsoon session, Modi said government is prepared to answer people questions and exact details about the key issues including the ongoing vaccination should reach to the people.
Speaking with reporters, Prime Minister said most of the MPs have been vaccinated but urged all including MPs to cooperate in compliance of the Corona protocol. The PM said more than 40 crore people have been vaccinated so far.
He said there should be constructive debate on the pandemic in which suggestions should come from all MPs, which will further strengthen the fight against pandemic.
The PM said he had already urged the floor leaders to hold a debate on the pandemic and also give them details about government preparations to fight the pandemic.
Here are some key points about the monsoon session:
*This is the the first full session of Parliament since the Covid-19 hit the country last year. With the coronavirus pandemic still raging, the session will be held in both the Houses of Parliament with all the necessary protocols and arrangements being made to accommodate the MPs on a social distancing basis.
*Both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha will function from 11am to 6pm from Monday and there are 19 sittings scheduled for this session.
*This is the first session since the reshuffle of the Union Council of ministers. On day one, PM will introduce newly inducted ministers to both Houses.
*This is the first session of Parliament since the results of assembly polls in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.