Expressions used by MPs in Parliament in the past few years have raised serious questions about parliamentary dignity. Parliament is not only the place of policy-making, but also the highest example of public morals and national discipline.
But now the language being used in the parliament has increased the danger of shaking the moral ground of Nepali democracy.
Institutions such as the UK's House of Commons, India's Lok Sabha or Japan's Diet, which have become mature examples of parliamentary system, are stuck in the culture of linguistic dignity, factual debate and respect. There, using serious insulting words is not only a violation of the rules, but also considered a factor in the moral degradation of the parliamentarian. Not only that, the process to stop such linguistic indecency is initiated immediately. But in Nepal, discriminatory folktales and linguistic rudeness are repeating.
Parliament is not a place to express anger. It is the highest means of presenting healthy debate and moral behavior. Therefore, parliamentarians should not lose their linguistic prudence when using slang, sarcasm or sarcasm. If that happens, Parliament will become ridiculous and its legitimacy will be eroded in the eyes of the people. For this, first of all, mandatory training should be given to all MPs in terms of parliamentary code of conduct, linguistic dignity and democratic behavior at the beginning of their tenure. Second, parties should clearly warn their MPs about the limits of expression. Thirdly, there should be a system to publicly hold MPs responsible for using unparliamentary words within the parliament. Fourth, the Speaker should rise above party pressure or consensus when making decisions. And fifthly, parliamentarians should take special care of whether the words they use are social customs, dignity and value-recognized, while self-reviewing the
of parliamentary activities.
Since Parliament is the center of power to speak, it is never appropriate to say what you get there for momentary gain. While exercising the right to speak, it is also the responsibility of every public representative to be aware and cautious about social norms and values.
If the parliamentarians do not have linguistic dignity and ideological maturity, it is certain that the scene of the parliament will become even more ugly. Therefore, to protect the dignity of the parliament, the parliamentarians themselves should be cultured. Parties must teach their MPs social etiquette. Only if that happens, the parliament will be civilized and the democratic system will be strengthened.
– Techendra Adhikari , Biratnagar
