A code of conduct for politicians.
With reference to the recent spate of comments by politicians and their disregard for norms, an editorial in DNA (25/4/13) the daily has called for a Code of Conduct for Politicians. It is high time that Indian constitutional experts draw up a list of duties and responsibilities for politicians, especially hose who are in power. Our politicians behave more like rulers than as representatives of the people. They rarely keep in touch with the people as elections are won more on the basis of caste or creed than on the basis of social work in the area. That is why most of the funds allotted for social welfare measures are not even spent. That is why most of the public works are shoddy.That is why they can disparage voters with impunity. In any other country elected members of the parliament or assemblies would not go scot-free as in our country.
Curiously, the Forty Second Constitution Amendment Act, 1976, has incorporated 11 Fundamental Duties which include respecting the National flag and the National Anthem to safeguarding public property and abjuring violence. This was done during the Emergency regime of Indira Gandhi (1975-77). However, she never thought of any duties for the representatives of the people. The most important duty of a representative is to keep in touch with their constituents. They should present a report what they have done for the people who have voted them to the legislature and the state/country,twice a year. Mumbai citizens remember this exercise was done regularly by former Central Minister Ram Naik when he was in the Maharashtra Assembly, and later, when he was elected to the parliament.
It should be the duty of of a representative to see that all budgeted amount for the constituency is spent without time over-run and cost over-run. Every constituency should have a voters' council consisting of teachers, professors, accountants, lawyers, workers selected by the Election Commission which should make them accountable. Number of questions asked by them, attendance of the legislature and other activities should be collected and presented to the people at a meeting organised by the Election Commission.Good governance norms and good conduct norms should be mandated by law and implemented by the Election Commission.
People should be able to contact the representatives whenever they need his assistance, He should be provided with an office and office assistants for this purpose. His phone number and e-mail address should be made available to the people to convey their views on various issues. Constant dialogue between the elected representatives and the voters is imperative to make our democracy people-centric.
Curiously, the Forty Second Constitution Amendment Act, 1976, has incorporated 11 Fundamental Duties which include respecting the National flag and the National Anthem to safeguarding public property and abjuring violence. This was done during the Emergency regime of Indira Gandhi (1975-77). However, she never thought of any duties for the representatives of the people. The most important duty of a representative is to keep in touch with their constituents. They should present a report what they have done for the people who have voted them to the legislature and the state/country,twice a year. Mumbai citizens remember this exercise was done regularly by former Central Minister Ram Naik when he was in the Maharashtra Assembly, and later, when he was elected to the parliament.
It should be the duty of of a representative to see that all budgeted amount for the constituency is spent without time over-run and cost over-run. Every constituency should have a voters' council consisting of teachers, professors, accountants, lawyers, workers selected by the Election Commission which should make them accountable. Number of questions asked by them, attendance of the legislature and other activities should be collected and presented to the people at a meeting organised by the Election Commission.Good governance norms and good conduct norms should be mandated by law and implemented by the Election Commission.
People should be able to contact the representatives whenever they need his assistance, He should be provided with an office and office assistants for this purpose. His phone number and e-mail address should be made available to the people to convey their views on various issues. Constant dialogue between the elected representatives and the voters is imperative to make our democracy people-centric.
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