The Opposition and the ruling alliance are divided on the issue of holding meetings of parliamentary standing committees through videoconference allowing members who can’t travel Delhi to participate in them. Two key National Democratic Alliance constituents- the Akali Dal and the Lok Jan Shakti Party support the idea, while Opposition parties, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) oppose it.
Also read: Standing Committees make up for fewer sittings of Parliament: Naidu
On Monday, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla referred the matter to the rules committees of the Houses. The panels, headed by Mr. Naidu and Mr. Birla, draw members from all major parties.
Speaking to The Hindu, SP leader and chairman of the standing committee on Health Ramgopal Yadav observed that at present it was far more critical to save lives. “The views expressed in a standing committee by the members and the officials are confidential till they are tabled in Parliament in the form of a report. If meetings are held via videoconference, the confidentia