Khattar's tips on how to become a better minister

On the second day of the two-day orientation programme for the members of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha various key speakers enlightened the MLAs on legislative matters.

These included Union Minister of Energy, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, Gujarat Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, former MP Dr Satya Pal Singh, and additional and joint secretary-level officers from the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha Secretariats, who shared their insights.

Speaking on the ‘Role of Ministers in Legislative Processes’, Khattar said to become a better minister, a member should have a thorough understanding of the legislative process, rules, and laws, as well as key issues of other departments in addition to their own. This knowledge would enable them to answer questions during Assembly sessions with complete information, he said.

“There may be a need to create new laws through the Assembly or amend existing ones. In such cases, a minister should thoroughly study the draft of the relevant law to become well-acquainted with its aims and objectives,” he said.

The Gujarat Speaker said the Vidhan Sabha was a platform for dialogue, not debate. He urged the members to present their views within the decorum of the House and to listen to other members with patience. He stressed that the MLAs should speak based on facts, as points supported by facts carried greater weight. He also highlighted the importance of MLAs preparing themselves in light of the increasing use of technology.

The Himachal Pradesh Speaker praised the initiative of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha to organise the orientation programme for MLAs, saying that it would be especially beneficial for the newly elected members, helping them perform their legislative duties more effectively. He urged the members to allocate time to gather information through technology and stay updated with new rules and laws. He also highlighted the special importance of various committees in legislative work, encouraging MLAs to ensure maximum participation in these committees.

He also advised the members to effectively raise the issues of their respective constituencies in the House, enabling them to meet the hopes and expectations of the people by addressing and resolving those concerns.