Only English, Hindi in LS, says Speaker

Feb. 8: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Monday reiterated that Union ministers can address Parliament only in Hindi and English
as stipulated in the Constitution.

Speaking to reporters after delivering the convocation address at SRM University, Ms Kumar said about allowing Union fertilisers minister M.K. Alagiri to speak in Tamil in Parliament: “As per the Constitution, Parliament proceedings should be conducted only in English and Hindi. I’ve asked Alagiri to meet me for sorting out the issue but he is yet to meet me. If he meets me, I am hopeful that we will find a solution to the problem,” she said.

Expressing concern over the absence of MPs in Parliament, especially during question hour, she said it was not right for them to keep away. She said that after her appeals to MPs there had been a slight improvement.

“I had been telling the members to come and attend especially when they have questions. I find a little improvement now. I think there will be more improvement in the 15th Lok Sabha, when budget session begins later this month,” she said. On the status of women’s bill, Ms Kumar said all political parties and the government should arrive at a consensus and take a decision on the long-pending women’s Bill.