People’s representation by keeping quiet!

Sindhi Press for April 20
People’s representation by keeping quiet!
Kawish
Sindh Assembly after completing first parliamentary years has entered the second year. During first parliamentary year a majority of Sindh MPAs i.e. 99 out of 169, fulfilled their responsibility of people’s representation by keeping quiet in the House. If at all they spoke it was not the issue of public interest. In all eleven sessions of the provincial assembly were held which passed 12 bills presented by the treasury benches. Of them ten were signed by the governor were enacted as law and one of them pertaining to the educational boards was referred back with objections, while one is still waiting for signature by the governor. Throughout parliamentary years out of 293, only eight resolutions were passed.
How much it cost the people? It is important to note that each member of the provincial assembly gets honourarium of Rs41000, while other fringe benefits, TA, DA and expenses incurred on protocol are in addition to that.

The peculiarity of the incumbent Sindh Assembly is that it is not only graduate assembly but except one group all the members are part of the government. The opposition in House is only for the sake of name. Earlier there had been a strong opposition and people have witnessed uproars and the slogans of “No No and Go Go”. In such a situation it was difficult for government to pass a bill or adapt a resolution.

In today’s changed situation when all are “ours” and practically no opposition exists, the performance of the House is poor. It passed only 12 bills that means at an average one bill per month. This was the all performance of our elected representatives, who in fact deserve to be congratulated for keeping silence in the House. Can this be considered that they failed to fulfill responsibility- representing people- for which they were elected? Is it justice with the people’s mandate? Did they not see any problem faced by the people of their constituency or some pressing issue over all about Sindh? If calculated, the nation had to pay Rs6.888 million for a member on account of salary only. Likewise in all members were paid Rs82.62. We will not comment further on the issue because it might tantamount to harm his/her privilege.

The members kept quiet silence on the public issues. It is really painful that 99 members failed to speak and also failed to find out some issue or problems of public importance. We do not want to wash away the joy of completing one parliamentary year. Though the House remained peaceful but in the province the situation was contrary to it.

Whether it was law and order situation or jirgas held under the official patronage, issues of NFC award and natural resources, there were much louder voices out side the House as compared to the within the House. Despite loss of one year and huge spendings made on the legislators, we still hope the voice of Sindh and its people would echo in the House in the second parliamentary year. The treasury as well as opposition benches would get them recognized as people’s representatives. It will not treat the subjects which are vital, as banned one and will break the fast of silence. (April 19)

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi