shri vinod sharma - Rajya Sabha

needs to be communicated to the people. These are the issues which, I hope, this
workshop would address.
As far as the last point on packages, I would not like to name anybody. I
had the experience of the recent Maharashtra election. I have seen. But this is very
bad for the democracy and we would not be able to win elections by judging the
parties on how much money they have spent on packages. This trend should be
stopped and a debate is very essential not only in this workshop but also on a
larger platform. Thank you.
SHRI VIJAY NAIK: Thank you Mr. Rahaman Khan for enlightening us on the working
of the Privileges Committee. You also talked about Zero Hour which is now
regulated in Rajya Sabha. I know, in Lok Sabha, it was Mr. Shivraj Patil, who was
the Speaker of Lok Sabha, at the end of his tenure, would not allow the Members
to go on having an issue raised in a manner which would stall the proceedings of
the House. After that, the next Speaker, Mr. Balayogi and Mr. Somnath Chatterjee,
allowed Zero Hour in Lok Sabha and we see a very frank and free discussion on
issues where the House became tumultuous and it became very difficult for the
Speaker to bring the proceedings of the House in order. I think, In Lok Sabha also,
the example which you spoke about Rajya Sabha, could be brought---10 Members
speaking one after another, finishing it in just 30 minutes. It is a very good
suggestion and a very good practice which we have got.
MR. DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: I have another point to add. Our experience is that
previously, when it was not regulated, a Member would take half-an-hour to convey
what he wanted to convey; now he finishes whatever he wants to convey in less
than 3 minutes!
SHRI VIJAY NAIK: On the last point which you have mentioned, about Members who
prepare seriously to speak on matters and who would like to reach the people
through media, I think, there is a big gap actually which we should also understand