Parliament no place for drama; Opposition using House to vent out frustration: PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament is not a place for drama but for delivery, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday in a hard-hitting attack on the Opposition as he accused it of turning the House into a "warm-up arena" for elections and an outlet to vent out frustration after defeat.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament ahead of the start of the Winter session, he said the House must not become a stage for political theatrics but a platform for constructive and result-driven debate, and offered to give the opposition tips to bring positivity in politics.
"There is plenty of room for drama; those who want to do it, keep doing it. Parliament is not a place for drama; it is a place for delivery," the prime minister said, targeting the Opposition for stalling parliamentary proceedings during the previous sessions.
"Even for raising slogans, you can do so across the country. You have spoken where you have been defeated. You can also speak where you are yet to face defeat. But in Parliament, the focus should be on policy, not slogans," Modi, buoyed by the landslide victory of the NDA in recent Bihar polls, said in a swipe at opposition parties, while urging lawmakers to work with a sense of responsibility.
The Monsoon session of Parliament was virtually washed out over the Opposition's protests on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Opposition parties have also threatened to stall the Winter session of Parliament over the SIR exercise in nine states and three Union territories if the issue is not discussed in Parliament.
"For some time now, our Parliament is being used either as a warm-up arena for elections or as an outlet for frustration after defeat," Modi said.
Referring to the drubbing of opposition parties in the Bihar polls, he said they were perturbed by the electoral loss and unable to digest failure.
"Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption. Victory should not convert into arrogance either," the prime minister said.
Highlighting the importance of informed debate, Modi urged members to offer constructive and accurate critiques where needed, so that citizens are better informed. "This work is demanding, but it is essential for the nation," he said.
The prime minister cautioned political parties against allowing frustration over electoral defeats to overshadow parliamentary proceedings.
"The Winter Session must reflect balance, responsibility and the dignity expected from public representatives," he said.
The record turnout witnessed in the Bihar elections is the biggest strength of democracy, he said, adding the Opposition too should fulfil its responsibility and come out of its "depression" after the loss in elections.
The prime minister said the game the Opposition has been playing for the last 10 years is no longer acceptable to the people. "They should change their strategy - I am ready to give them a few tips," Modi said.
He urged all parties to recognise the purpose of Parliament and "come out of the frustration of defeat".
Prime Minister Modi added that he had heard statements of leaders of certain opposition parties that suggest their inability to accept electoral outcomes.
"There are one or two parties that are unable to accept their defeat. From the statements I heard yesterday, it seems that the loss has deeply troubled them," he said.
The prime minister also stressed that opportunities should be given to the new generation of Members of Parliament. "The House should benefit from their experiences, and through this House, the nation should also gain from their fresh perspective," Modi said.
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Trekking without nature guide won't be allowed; Karnataka forest minister releases SOP
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday said that trekking will no longer be permitted on any approved trekking routes under the forest department, without a certified nature guide equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies.
Speaking after releasing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated for the safety of trekkers, he said that there will be one local nature guide for every 10 trekkers. A maximum of 150 trekkers will be allowed per batch on any trekking route.
According to him, online registration for trekking is mandatory. Even if a single individual registers for a particular day, a guide will still be provided, and trekking without a guide will not be allowed.
He said the SOP was introduced following recent incidents, including a woman from Kerala who went missing for three days in the forests during a trek at Tadiandamol hill in Kodagu, and a minor girl who went missing and was later found dead near Manikyadhara in Chikkamagaluru, which is outside forest jurisdiction.
In a statement, the Khandre's office said that nature guides will be mandatorily equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies on all trekking routes. "Additionally, a mobile app containing trekking route maps will be installed on trekkers' phones. This will help locate trekkers if they lose their way", it said.
As per the SOP, before the trek begins, trekkers will be briefed about the distance, duration, and local conditions.
"Instructions on how to respond if wildlife is encountered will also be provided. Loud devices, sharp metal objects, weapons, and campfires are strictly prohibited on trekking routes," it said.
The SOP further stated that separate toilets for men and women and drinking water facilities will be provided at base camps.
Directional arrow markings will guide trekkers along the route, and rest points will be created along the way, it said.
Citing the SOP, the statement said that nature guides must ensure that no trekker moves ahead of them or is left behind. Headcounts must be conducted at base camps and rest points.
"Guides must communicate with the base camp via walkie-talkie every 30 minutes. If there is no communication within an hour of the trek starting, base camp staff will contact the guide to confirm safety," it said.
The SOP states that minors must carry a consent letter from their parents or guardians, and senior citizens must provide a fitness certificate confirming their physical capability to undertake trekking. To be able to respond to unexpected health issues, trekkers and guides must carry a first aid kit.
However, flash photography, single-use plastics, and carry bags are prohibited and trekkers must bring back their waste and dispose of it only at base camps, as per SOP.
It further said that all trekking routes under the forest department will be integrated into the official website (https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in/) to enable advance booking of tickets.
