Budget 2022: Ahead of session, Rajya Sabha releases Code of Conduct for members
Union Budget 2022: The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has issued a Code of Conduct for its members ahead of the Parliament's Budget Session.
Chairman of the Upper House M Venkaiah Naidu released the directive for the 'Code of Conduct,' outlining that the "Committee on Ethics in its Fourth Report presented to the Council on March 14, 2005, and adopted by it on April 20, 2005, had inter alia considered the Code of Conduct for Members enumerated by the Committee in its First Report which was also adopted by the Council. The Committee felt that the Code was quite comprehensive and endorsed the same. It recommended that the Code of Conduct may be published in Bulletin Part II on the eve of each Session for information of and compliance by the Members."
According to the declaration of the norms of procedure and the conduct of business, members of the Rajya Sabha should "acknowledge their responsibility to maintain the public trust reposed in them and should work diligently to discharge their mandate for the common good of the people."
Furthermore, it adds, "They must hold in high esteem the Constitution, the Law, Parliamentary Institutions and above all the general public. They should constantly strive to translate the ideals laid down in the Preamble to the Constitution into a reality. The following are the principles which they should abide by in their dealings."
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Members must not do anything that brings the Parliament into discredit or jeopardises their credibility, and they must use their position as Members of Parliament to advance the general welfare of the people, according to the rules and regulations.
In their dealings, if Members find that there is a conflict between their personal interests and the public trust which they hold, they should resolve such a conflict in a manner that their private interests are subordinated to the duty of their public office," it adds.
As per the statement, members should never expect or accept any fee, remuneration or benefit in exchange for a vote given or not given by them on the floor of the House, for introducing a Bill, for moving a resolution or desisting from moving a resolution, putting a question or abstaining from asking a question or participating in the deliberations of the House or a Parliamentary Committee.
Members, also, should not accept a gift that could compromise their ability to perform their official duties honestly and impartially. They may accept incidental gifts or inexpensive mementoes, as well as customary hospitality. Members of the public sector should use public resources in ways that benefit the public good, says the statement.
Further, members should desist from giving certificates to people and institutions of which they have no personal knowledge and are not based on facts and must not lend ready support to any cause of which they have no or little knowledge.
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The 'Code of Conducts' states that members should not misuse the facilities and amenities provided to them, should not be disrespectful to any religion, work to promote secular values, and should keep in mind the Fundamental Duties outlined in Part IVA of the Constitution.
Members of the Upper House are expected to uphold high standards of morality, dignity, decency and values in public life, it adds.
The parliament session will begin in the midst of electioneering for five state assembly elections.
On January 31, President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint session of both Houses and on February 1, the Union Budget will be tabled.
On working days, the Rajya Sabha is expected to function from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Lok Sabha will meet from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The first part of the Budget Session starts on January 31 and extends till February 11. From March 14 to April 8, the second phase of the budget session will take place.
-PTC News
