Parliament's responsibility to fulfil citizens aspirations: Kovind
New Delhi, July 24 : With parliamentary proceedings broadcast live and public expecting a discussions on its problems and plans for the country's development, it is the Parliaments responsibility to make efforts in fulfilling the citizens' aspirations, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Tuesday.
Addressing an event to mark the third anniversary of the Speaker's Research Initiative (SRI) of the Lok Sabha, he said that for the success of parliamentary democracy, it is necessary that all members of parliament respect each others view and maintain dignity in both the houses.
"The SRI initiative is a great help.. as it ensures for the better functioning of the legislature," he said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan launched the SRI in the year 2015 in order to make members of parliament play an effective role in law-making and parliamentary debates. SRI provides internships and fellowships for young scholars with good academic credentials.
She said Speakers of the Latvian and Finnish Parliaments were inspired and showed interest about the SRI programme and "today they want to run this in their countries".
Sharing his experiences with other lawmakers in the meeting, Odisha MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said that "initially when I entered the Parliament , there was nobody to help me in order to catch the eye of the Speaker... but today we have researchers and experts to help us".
He termed SRI a supportive mechanism that prepares the "effective lawmakers".
The meeting was chaired by Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghal.
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PM Modi embarks on three-nation visit beginning with Jordan
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman -- countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.
"First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," the prime minister said in his departure statement.
Modi will hold detailed discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and will also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.
In his first visit to Ethiopia, the prime minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
The prime minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.
"On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman," Modi said.
In Muscat, the prime minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.
"I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," Modi said.
