My Official Report

POST TRAINING REPORT

ON THE

27^TH PARLIAMENTARY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME FOR FOREIGN PARLIAMENTARY OFFICIALS

TERENCIO M. GRANA

Supervising Legislative Staff Officer III

Bills and Index Service

House of Representatives

Quezon City

 

02 November to 02 December 2011

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training

New Delhi, India

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

17 April 2012

FOR                :           HON. MARILYN B BARUA-YAP

                                    Secretary General

THRU             :           Channels

SUBJECT       :           POST-TRAINING REPORT

I am pleased to furnish you my post-training report on the 27^th Parliamentary Internship Progrmamme for Foreign Parliamentary Officials that I attended in New Delhi, India last 2 November to 2 December 2011, funded by the Government of India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), for your information and reference.

(Signed)

TERENCIO M. GRANA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

TERENCIO M. GRANA

Supervising Legislative Staff Officer III

Bills and Index Service

House of Representatives

Quezon City

Program           :  27^th Parliamentary Internship Programme for Foreign Parliamentary Officials

Date                :  2 November to 2 December 2011

Location          :  New Delhi, India

Parliamentary Internship Programme

The Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Ttraining (BPST) organized the Parliamentary Internship Programme with the basic objective of providing a deeper understanding of the workings of Indian parliamentary democracy and the practices and procedures associated with the Parliament. Since the Programme was attended by participants coming from diverse political and constitutional systems, that in itself provided a platform to understand the working of the legislative institutions in a comparative format. The four-week-long Programme provided opportunities for intensive study and practical training in parliamentary processes and procedures, with particular reference to the practices in the Parliament and State Legislatures in India.

During the Programme, the participants were provided an opportunity to gain a thorough knowledge of the parliamentary system in India by way of interactions with senior parliamentarians and parliamentary officials, who formed part of the Bureau’s distinguished Faculty. Visits to the Chambers of the Houses of Parliament to witness parliamentary proceedings, meetings with parliamentary functionaries, Study Visits to relevant institutions and agencies, etc., were also part of the Programme. Specific attachments with important Branches and Services of the two Houses of the Indian Parliament were facilitated so that participants got a hands-on experience of the working of these agencies. During the Programme, each participant was expected to present a Paper on the salient features of his/her country’s Constitution, political system, parliamentary practices and procedures, etc., which was followed by a Group Discussion. Participants were also taken on a week-long Study Tour to one of the State Legislatures in India to familiarize them with the working of these Provincial Legislatures.

Besides the professional training, participants were given an opportunity to enjoy and experience the unique diversities of India through local sight-seeing programmes, visits to museums and places of historical importance and cultural programmes.

Travel

I left Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1 (Manila) on 31 October 2011 at 1255H aboard Airbus 330-300 Flight No. TG621 Thai Airways International Ltd bound for Bangkok and arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhuni International Airport at 1510H for a three-hour-and-fifteen-minute stop-over.

Meanwhile, I had to stay at a coffee shop within the airport to while away my time.

Thereafter, passengers bound for New Delhi were notified via public address system that Flight No. TG315 bound for Delhi must be ready for boarding thus I immediately boarded the plane and at 2040H, the plane, Boeing 777-300 Thai Airways International Ltd, left and eventually arrived Delhi Gandhi International Terminal 3 at 2340H, a four-hour-and-thirty-minute travel.

Upon my return home, I left Delhi Gandhi International Terminal 3 on 04 December 2011 at 0100H aboard Boeing 777-300 Thai Airways International Ltd Flight No. TG316 bound for Bangkok and consequently arrived at Suvarnabhuni International Airport at 0625H. Subsequently, passengers bound for Manila were transferred to Airbus 330-300 Flight No. TG620, a smaller aircraft compared to Boeing 777-3000, and we eventually left Bangkok at 0745H and safely arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1 (Manila) at 11:55H.

Accommodation

Upon arrival in Delhi Gandhi Intl Terminal 3, I was personally met by BPST Coordinator, Mr. Shubavh Bhanot and a representative of the hotel. Iris Hometel (Sarovar), a 3-star property where we were billeted, located in Harinagar, Delhi. Its restaurant served complimentary buffet breakfast to the Programme participants.

Shuttle Service To and From the Parliament

Two (2) air-conditioned buses served as the participants’ shuttle service to and from the Indian Parliament every session day. Participants are instructed to be ready fifteen (15) minutes prior to the departure for the Parliament.

List of Participants

1.      Mrs. Huma Saidali – Assistant, National Assembly of Afghanistan

2.      Mr. Abdul Matin Azimi – Researcher, National Assembly of Afghanistan

3.      Mr. Ahmadullah Niazai – Secretary, National Assembly of Afghanistan

4.      Mr. Waheedullah Nabil – Administration Executive, National Assembly of Afghanistan

5.      Mr. Farid Nabizada – Database Officer, National Assembly of Afghanistan

6.      Ms. Maria Silvina Chiara – Advisor to Member, National Assembly of Argentina

7.      Mr. Felipe Llorente – Advisor to Member, National Assembly of Argentina

8.      Mr. F.B.M. Ruhul Amin – Assistant Director (Reporting), Parliament of Bangladesh

9.      Mr. Md. Enamul Hoque – Assistant Director (Reporting), Parliament of Bangladesh

10.  Mr. Ivan Molchan – Senior Specialist, National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus

11.  Ms. Tshering Wangmo – Information and Media Officer, National Council Secretariat, Bhutan

12.  Ms. Boipelo Morakanyane – Clerk Assistant(Translator), Parliament of Botswana

13.  Mr. Benoit Ngendakumana – Adviser in Communications, Senate of Burundi

14.  Mr. Choeun Pek – Secretary, Parliament of Cambodia

15.  Ms. Vannarith Keo – Deputy Director, Parliament of Cambodia

16.  Mr. Dydile Glenne Primat Olympe – Parliamentary Administrator, National Assembly of the Central African Republic

17.  Mr. Dieudonne Dounia Ngaba – Parliamentary Administrator, National Assembly of the Central African Republic

18.  Mr. Sadik Adem – Deputy Chairman, House of Peoples’ Representatives, Ethiopia

19.  Ms. Lika Peradze – Chief Specialist, Parliament of Georgia

20.  Ms. Sheba Nana Afriyie Osei – Assistant Clerk, Parliament of Ghana

21.  Ms. Kate Amardai Addo – Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Parliament of Ghana

22.  Mr. Nickalai Pryce – Assistannt Clerk, Parliament of Guyana

23.  Ms. Samantha Douglas – Senior Personnel Officer, Parliament of Guyana

24.  Mrs. Marta Vicente Uate – Legislative Technician, Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique

25.  Mr. Tin Aung Khaing – Deputy Director, Parliament of Myanmar

26.  Mr. Phone Kyi Aung –Deputy Director, Parliament of Myanmar

27.  Mrs. Malam Mamadou Aoua – Assistant, National Assembly Niamey, Republic of Niger

28.  Mr. Hama Ali – Assistant Adviser, National Assembly Niamey, Republic of Niger

29.  Mr. Terencio Grana – Supervising Legislative Staff Officer, House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines

30.  Mrs. Marie-Therese Doreen Zelia – Personal Assitant to the Speaker, National Assembly of Seychelles

31.  Ms. Sandra Debbie Giovana Hall – Librarian, National Assembly of Seychelles

32.  Ms. Janetta Kubicova – State Advisor, National Council of the Slovac Republic

33.  Mr. M. Ajiwadeen – Research Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka

34.  Mr. LBR Padmasiri – Assistant Principal Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka

35.  Mrs. RHP Gunasena – Parliamentary Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka

36.  Mr. ATS Pushpakumara – Parliamentary Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka

37.  Mr. KKD Gamini – Parliamentary Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka

38.  Mr. Pahala Gedara Palitha Priyankara – Assitant Princicpal Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka

39.  Mr. Priyantha Chandana Kalansuriya – Assitant Princicpal Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka

40.  Mr. Maowa Ajabna Khalil Masri – Reporter, National Assembly of Sudan

41.  Ms. Manal Mohamed Osman Mohamed – Reporter, National Assembly of Sudan

42.  Mr. Maryam Hussein Rajab – Public Relations Officer, House of Representatives of Tanzania

43.  Mr.John Bosco Kagoro – Principal Clerk Assistant, Parliament of Uganda

44.  Mrs Alice Nyamwenge Mukyasi – Principal Clerk Assistant, Parliament of Uganda

45.  Mr. Dilshod Olimov – Secretary of The First Category, Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Activities (Venue: BPST Lecture Hall ‘A’, Ground Floor, Parliamentary Library Building)

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Welcome, Introduction and Briefing Session

Video Presentation of Indian Parliament

Thursday, 3 November 2011

Presentation of BPST

Inauguration – Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Hon’ble Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources (note: this representation proposed the vote of thanks for the inauguration speaker)

Welcome Lunch (Banquet Hall, Parliament Library Building)

Visit to Parliament Museum

Friday, 4 November 2011

Parliament of Indian Polity – Shri Nilotpal Basu, Ex-M.P.

Cultural Heritage of India – Padmashri Ms. Geeta Chandran, Founder President, Natya Vriksha Dance Company

Visit to Delhi Vidhan Sabha Secretariat

Tuesday, 8 November 2012

Parliament and Public Polity – Shri B.S. Baswan. Former director, Indian Institute of Public Administration

Second Chamber in Indian Parliament – Shri S.N. Sahu, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat

Visit the Chamber of Lok Sbha, Rajya Sbha and the Central Hall

The Legislative Process

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

The Budgetary Process – Shri Devender Singh, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

A Day in the House of the People – Shri P.D. Rai, Member of Parliament

Electoral System in India – Shri S. Mendiratta, Legal Counsel, Election Commission of India

Friday, 11 November 2011

Attachment with Legislative Branch

Procedures for Raising Matters of Urgent Importance in the Houses of Parliament – Shri S. Bal Shekar, Additional Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Parliamentary Privileges – Shri V.K. Sharma, OSD, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Saturday, 12 November 2011

Local Sight-Seeing in Delhi and New Delhi

Monday, 14 November 2011

Presentation of Country Paper by Participants

Parliament and Gender Issues – Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, Honorary Advisor, BPST

Parliamentary Questions – Shri Oscar Fernandez, Hon’ble Chairman, Standing Committee on Human Resource Development

Indian Constitution: Precept and Practice – Dr. (Prof.) N.R. Madhava Menon, Member, Advisory Council of National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

Committee on Petitions – Shri Brahm Dutt, Joint secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Attachment with Public Accounts Committee

Attachment with table Office

Presentation of Country Paper by Participants (note: this representation’s Philippine country paper was the first paper presented; a copy of the paper is hereunder printed)

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Attachment with Committee on Public Undertakings

Organizational Structure of the Lok Sabha Secretariat – Shri A. Louis Martin, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Visit to Election Commission

Visit to Lotus Temple

Thursday, 17 November 2011

Bringing Parliament Closer to the People – Shri Sunit Tandon, Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication

Tour of Lok sabha Television Premises

Parliament and the Media – Shri K.V. Prasad Senior Journalist

Presentation of Country Paper by Participants

Friday, 18 November 2011

Presentation of Country Paper by Participants

Right to Information – Shri Akash Deep Chakravarti, Joint Secretary and Additional Registrar, Central Information Commission

Visit to Parliament Library

Presentation of Country Paper by Participants

Saturday, 19 November 201

Visit to Taj Mahal

Monday, 21 November 2011

Parliament Security – Shri P.R. Meena, Additonal Secretary (Security), Lok Sabha Secretariat

Committee on Government Ssurances – Shri P. Sreedharan, Additional Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Salaries and Allowances of MPs – Shri A.K. Singh, Joint secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Tuesday, 22 November 2011

Use of E-technology in Enhancing Parliament’s Effective Functioning – Dr. R.K. Chadha, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Conference and Protocol Managenent – Shri U.S. Saxena, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Attachment with Estimates Committee

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Information Management in Indian Parliament – Shri P.K. Misra, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat

Visit to Supreme Court of India

Committee System in Indian Parliament – Shri Nilotpal Basu, Ex-MP

Thursday, 24 November 2011

To Witness the Proceedings of Parliament

Presentation of Country Paper by Participants

Friday, 25 November 2011

Attachment with the Centre for Law and Governance, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Visit to Rashtrapati Bhawan

Sunday, 27 November 2011 to Thursday, 1 December 2011

Attachment with a State Legislature Secretariat

26-11-2011 – Left Delhi 2100H on board Indian Airline bound for Kerala (a Southernmost State in India where we were going to have our Attachment) in a four-hour trip. Arrived Thiruvanantapuram, the Capital City of State, early in the morning and went straight to the hotel where we were billeted.

27-11-2011 – Left our hotel at Thiruvanantapuram for Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanyakumari Beach and Vivekananda Rock for the participants’ tour. Had tea at Padmanabhapuram Palace, courtesy of the Secretariat of the Kerala Legislature.

28- 11-2011 – Paid tribute to the Father of the Nation at Kerala Legislature Complex and photo opportunity with Hon’ble Speaker Mr. G. Karthikeyan; Inauguration of Training Programme by Hon’ble Speaker; Lunch at Government Guest House, Thiruvanantapuram, hosted by Hon’ble Speaker; meeting with State Legislators; Session I – Rules of Procedure and Privileges of the House – Dr. N.K. Jayakumar, Former Secretary and Vice-Chancellor, National University of Advanced Legal Studies.

29-11-2011 – Session II – Legislative Process – Dr. C. Ramakrishnan Nair; Visit to Legislature Museum and Assembly Chamber; Lunch at Government Guest House, Thiruvanantapuram, hosted by Hon’ble Deputy Speaker; Local visits to Napier Museum, Art Gallery, Vyloppalli Samskriti Bhavan, S.M.S. Institute and Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

30-11-2011 – Session III – Budgetary Process – Mr. Suresh (Additional Secretary, Finance Department, Govvernment of Kerala); Went to Pankajakasturi Ayurveda Medical College, had interaction with students and faculty; Lunch at Government Guest House, Thiruvanantapuram.

01-12-2011 – Left Thiruvanantapuram for Delhi

Friday, 2 December 2011

Debriefing at the Bureau

Valedictory (note: valedictory speech of this representation is hereunder printed)

Farewell Lunch, Banquet Hall, Parliament Library Building

LEGISLATION

Passage of Legislative Proposals in Parliament

The basic function of Parliament is to make laws. All legislative proposals have to be brought in the form of Bills before Parliament. A Bill is a statute in draft and cannot become law unless it has received the approval of both the Houses of Parliament and the assent of the President of India. The process of law making begins with the introduction of a Bill in either House of Parliament. A Bill can be introduced either by a Minister or a member other than a Minister. In the former case, it is called a Government Bill and in the latter case, it is known as a Private Member's Bill.

A  Bill undergoes three readings in each House, i.e., the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, before it is submitted to the President for assent.

The First Reading refers to (a) motion for  leave to introduce a  Bill  in the House on the adoption of  which  the Bill is  introduced; or (b) in the case of a  Bill  originated in  and passed by the other House,  the laying on the  Table of the House of  the   Bill,  as passed by the other House.

The Second Reading consists of two stages. The "First Stage" constitutes discussion on the principles of the  Bill and its provisions generally on  any of the  following motions -  that  the Bill be taken into consideration; or   that  the Bill be referred to  a Select Committee of the House; or  that the Bill be referred  to a  Joint Committee of the Houses with the concurrence of   the other House; or  that the Bill be circulated for the purpose of  eliciting opinion thereon. The "Second Stage" constitutes   the clause by clause consideration of the Bill, as introduced in the House or   as reported by a Select or Joint Committee, as the case may be.

In the case of a  Bill  passed by Rajya Sabha and transmitted to Lok Sabha,  it is  first laid on the Table of Lok Sabha by the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha. In this case the Second Reading refers to the motion (a) that the Bill, as passed by Rajya Sabha, be taken into consideration; or (b) that the Bill be referred to a  Select Committee (if the Bill  has not already been referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses).  

The Third Reading refers to the discussion on the motion that the Bill or the Bill, as amended, be passed.

Almost similar procedure is followed in Rajya Sabha in respect of Bills introduced in that House. After a Bill has been finally passed by the Houses of Parliament, it is submitted to the President for his assent.  After a Bill has received the assent of the President, it becomes the law of the land.

Reference of Bills to Departmentally Related Standing Committees

The year 1993 ushered in a new era in the history of Indian Parliament when 17 Departmentally Related Standing Committees were constituted. The number of Standing Committees has now been increased from 17 to 24. While 8 Committees work under the direction of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, 16 Committees work under the direction of the Speaker, Lok Sabha.

One of the important functions of these Committees is to examine such Bills introduced in either House as are referred to them by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha, as the case may be, and make report thereon.

The reports of the Standing Committees have persuasive value. In case the Government accepts any of the recommendations of the Committee, it may bring forward official amendments at the consideration stage of the Bill or may withdraw the Bill reported by the Standing Committee and bring forward a new Bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Standing Committee.

Bills Before a Select or Joint Committee

If a Bill is referred to a Select or a Joint Committee, it considers the Bill clause-by-clause just as the House does. Amendments can be moved to the various clauses by the members of the Committee. After the report of the Select or Joint Committee has been presented to the House, the member-in-charge of the Bill usually moves the motion for consideration of the Bill, as reported by the Select or Joint Committee, as the case may be.

A Money Bill or a Financial Bill containing any of the provisions calculated to make a Bill a Money Bill, however, cannot be referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses.

Restriction on Introduction of Certain Categories of Bills and Rajya Sabha

A Bill may be introduced in either House of Parliament. However,a Money Bill can not be introduced in Rajya Sabha.It can only be introduced in Lok Sabha with prior recommendation of  the President for  introduction  in Lok Sabha. If any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker thereon is final.

Rajya Sabha is required to return a Money Bill passed and transmitted by Lok Sabha within a period of 14 days from the date of   its receipt. Rajya Sabha may return a Money Bill transmitted to it with or without recommendations. It is open to Lok Sabha to accept or reject all or any of the recommendations of Rajya Sabha.

However, if Rajya Sabha does not return a Money Bill within the prescribed period of 14 days, the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses of Parliament at the expiry of the said period of 14 days in the form in which it was passed by Lok Sabha.

Like Money Bills, Bills which, inter alia, contain provisions for any of the matters attracting sub-clauses (a) to (f) of clause (1) of article 110 can also not be introduced in Rajya Sabha. They can be introduced only in Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President. However, other restrictions in regard to  Money Bills do not apply to such Bills.

Constitution Amendment Bills

The Constitution vests in Parliament the power to amend the Constitution. Constitution Amendment Bills can be introduced in either House of Parliament. While motions for introduction of Constitution Amendment Bills are adopted by simple majority, a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting is required for adoption of effective clauses and motions for consideration and passing of these Bills. Constitution Amendment Bills affecting vital issues as enlisted in the proviso to article 368(2) of the Constitution after having been passed by the Houses of Parliament, have also to be ratified by not less than one half of the State Legislatures.

Joint Setting

Article 108(1) of the Constitution provides that when a Bill (other than a Money Bill or a Bill seeking  to amend the Constitution) passed by one House is rejected by the other House or the Houses have finally disagreed as to the  amendments made in the Bill or more than six months  lapse from the date of  the receipt of the Bill  by the other House without  the Bill being passed by it, the President may, unless the Bill has lapsed by reason of dissolution of Lok Sabha, notify to the Houses by message, if  they are sitting, or by public notification, if they are not sitting, his intention to summon them to meet in a Joint Sitting.

The President has made the Houses of Parliament (Joint Sittings and Communications) Rules in terms of   clause (3) of article 118 of the Constitution to regulate the procedure with respect to Joint Sitting of Houses.

So far, there have been three occasions when Bills were considered and passed in a Joint Sitting of the Houses of Parliament.

Assent to Bills

After a Bill has been passed by both the Houses of Parliament, it is presented to the President for his assent. The President may either assent to the Bill, withhold his assent, or return the Bill, if it is not a Money Bill, with a message for reconsideration of the Bill, or any specified provisions thereof, or for considering the desirability of introducing any such amendments as he may recommend in his message.

The President may either give or withhold his assent to a Money Bill. A Money Bill can not be returned to the House by the President for reconsideration. Also, the President is bound to give his assent to Constitution Amendment Bill passed by Parliament by the prescribed special majority and, where necessary, ratified by the requisite number of State Legislatures.

Parliamentary Documentation

The Parliamentary Documentation, a fortnightly publication is being brought out by parliament Library since 1975 with a view to keep the members of Parliament of India well informed of all the important and current articles published in Newspapers, Journals, Books, etc. The entries contain bibliographical information of the select articles, i.e. name of author, the title, the name of the Journal, Newspaper, date of publication, Volume No. of Journal and are suitably annotated and arranged under a specially devised scheme of classification.

The Parliament

The Parliament of India, representing as it does all politically organized shades of public opinion at the national level, occupies a preeminent and pivotal position in the country's constitutional set-up. It has also, over the years, carved out for itself a unique place in the esteem and affection of the people as the forum through which they articulate and realize their grievances and aspirations and seek solutions to their problems.

The Constitution of India provides for a bicameral Parliament consisting of the President and two Houses known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of the people chosen by direct election on the basis of adult suffrage. The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the Constitution is 552: upto 530 members to represent the States, up to 20 members to represent the Union territories and not more than two members of the Anglo-Indian community to be nominated by the President of India if the President is of opinion that the community is not adequately represented in the House. The total elective membership is distributed among the States in such manner that the ratio between the number of seats allotted to each State and the population of the State is, so far as practicable, the same for all States. The qualifying age for membership of the Lok Sabha is 25 years.

The Lok Sabha, unless sooner dissolved, continues for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and the expiration of the period of five years operates as dissolution of the House. However, while a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation, this period may be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time and not extending in any case beyond a period of six months after the Proclamation has ceased to operate.

Following the first General Elections held in the country in 1952, the First Lok Sabha was constituted on 17 April 1952 and met on 13 May 1952.

The Second Lok Sabha came into being in April 1957; the Third Lok Sabha in April 1962; the Fourth Lok Sabha in March 1967; the Fifth Lok Sabha in March 1971; the Sixth Lok Sabha in March 1977; the Seventh Lok Sabha in January 1980; the Eighth Lok Sabha in December 1984; the Ninth Lok Sabha in December 1989; the Tenth Lok Sabha in June 1991; the Eleventh Lok Sabha in May 1996; the Twelfth Lok Sabha in March 1998; the Thirteenth Lok Sabha in October 1999; and the Fourteenth Lok Sabha in May 2004.

The Lok Sabha at present consists of 545 members, including two nominated members.

Rjya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha is to consist of not more than 250 members. Of these 12 are nominated by the President from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art or social service. The remaining seats are allocated to the various States and Union territories, roughly in proportion to their population; each State is, however, represented by at least one member. The representatives of a State are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of that State in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The minimum age for membership of the House is 30 years.

The Rajya Sabha was constituted for the first time on 3 April 1952 and had its first Session on 13 May 1952. It is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution, but one-third of its members retire every second year by rotation and are replaced by newly-elected members. The term of an individual member of Rajya Sabha is six years. The Rajya Sabha at present consists of 245 members: 233 represent the States and Union territories and 12 are nominated members.

 

The distribution of seats among the States is as under:

Andhra Pradesh             18

Arunachal Pradesh          1

Assam                             7

Bihar                              16

Chhattisgarh                    5

Goa                                  1

Gujarat                           11

Haryana                           5

Himachal Pradesh           3

Jammu Lt Kasmir           4

Jharkhand                        6

Kamataka                       12

Kerala                              9

Madhya Pradesh            11

Maharashtra                   19

Manipur                           1

Maghalaya                       1

Mizoram                          1

Nagaland                         1

Orissa                            10

Punjab                             7

Rajasthan                      10

 Sikkim                           1

Tamil Nadu                   18

Tripura                            1

Uttarakhand                    3

Uttar Pradesh                31

West Bengal                 16

Delhi 3 Puducherry         1

SESSIONS

Normally, three Sessions of Parliament are held in a year: (a) Budget Session (February-May); (b) Monsoon Session (July-August); and (c) Winter Session (November-December).

With a view to ensuring that the Demands for Grants of various Ministries could be discussed by the Depart men tally- related Standing Committees which were constituted in 1993, the Budget Session of Lok Sabha in 1994 was split into two periods, i.e. from 21 February 1994 to 19 March 1994 and 18 April 1994 to 13 May 1994. The intervening period of about a month was utilized by the Committees for consideration of the Demands for Grants. Such breaks during the Budget Session have become a regular feature now.

 

Functions

As in other parliamentary democracies, the Parliament in India has the cardinal functions of legislation, overseeing of administration, passing of the Budget, ventilation of public grievances, discussing national policies, etc.

The scheme of distribution of powers between the Union and the States, followed in the Constitution of India, emphasizes in many ways the general predominance of Parliament in the legislative field. Apart from the wide range of subjects allotted to it in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, even in normal times Parliament can, under certain circumstances, assume legislative power over a subject falling within the sphere exclusively reserved for the States.

Further, in times of grave emergency when the security of India or any part thereof is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion, and a Proclamation of Emergency is made by the President, Parliament acquires the power to make Laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List. Similarly, in the event of the failure of the constitutional machinery in a State, the powers of the Legislature of that State become exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.

Besides the power to Legislate on a very wide field, the Constitution vests in the Union Parliament the constituent power or the power to initiate amendment of the Constitution.

Under the Constitution, the Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. One of the effective methods by which Parliament exercises check over the Executive is through its control over finance. This financial power in the hands of Parliament helps in securing Executive accountability. Besides, the procedures of Parliament afford ample opportunities for the enforcement of Ministerial responsibility, for assessing and influencing governmental policies as well as for ventilating public grievances. The procedure of Questions, with possibilities of supplementaries, and, in case of inconclusive or unsatisfactory answer, of Half-an-Hour Discussions, Calling Attentions, Motions, Short Duration Discussions, Matters Under Rule 377, etc. enable information to be elicited and attention focussed on various aspects of governmental activities.

The more significant occasions for review of administration are provided by the discussions on the Motion of Thanks on the Address by the President, the Budget, including Demands for Grants from various Ministries and Departments, and the proposals to raise funds to meet the expenditure. These apart, specific matters may be discussed through motions on matters of urgent public importance, private members' resolutions and other substantive motions. In extreme cases, the Government can be censured or a motion of no-confidence can be moved against them. Along with these, a close and continuous check on governmental activities is exercised through a comprehensive system of Parliamentary Committees.

Relative Roles of the two Houses

As between the two Houses, the Lok Sabha has supremacy in financial matters. It is also the House to which the Council of Ministers, drawn from both Houses, is collectively responsible.

On the other hand, the Rajya Sabha has a special role in enabling Parliament to legislate on a State subject if it is necessary in the national interest. It has a similar power in regard to the creation of an All-India Service common to the Union and the States. In other respects, the Constitution proceeds on the theory of equality of status of the two Houses.

Disagreement between the two Houses on amendments to a Bill is resolved by both the Houses meeting in a joint sitting where questions are decided by majority vote. However, this provision of joint sitting does not apply to Money Bills and Constitution Amendment Bills.

The Presiding Officers

In the Lok Sabha, both the Presiding Officers-the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker – are elected from amongst its members. In the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President of India is the ex officio Chairman. He is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both the Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is, however, elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha from amongst themselves.

The Constitution of India makes certain specific provisions in regard to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha, laying particular emphasis on the importance and the independent character of the office in the context of a parliamentary polity. His salary and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

The Speaker of Lok Sabha enjoys vast authority and powers under the Constitution and the Rules, as well as inherently. As the conventional head of the Lok Sabha and as its principal spokesman, the Speaker represents its collective voice. He is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its Committees and members. It is through the Speaker that the decisions of the House are communicated to outside individuals and authorities; he issues warrants to execute the orders of the House, wherever necessary, and delivers reprimands on behalf of the House. Within the precincts of the House, his authority is supreme. His conduct cannot be discussed, except on a substantive motion.

All the Committees of the House function under his overall directions and their Chairmen are nominated by him. Any procedural problems in the functioning of the Committees are referred to him for directions. Committees like the Business Advisory Committee, the General Purposes Committee and the Rules Committee, however, work directly under his Chairmanship.

The Speaker enjoys a special position insofar as the relations between the two Houses of Parliament in certain matters are concerned. He certifies Money Bills and decides finally what are "money" matters by reason of the Lok Sabha's over-riding powers in financial matters. It is the Lok Sabha Speaker who presides over joint sittings called in the event of a disagreement between the two Houses on a legislative measure.

Leader of the House

The Prime Minister, who is the Leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, functions as the Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha except when he is not a member of the Lok Sabha. The seniormost Minister, who is a member of the Rajya Sabha, is appointed by the Prime Minister as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha.

In 1966, 1997 and in 2004 the appointment of a Prime Minister who was a member of the Rajya Sabha necessitated the appointment of a separate Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha. In July 1991 and again in 1996, at the time of constitution of the Tenth and the Eleventh Lok Sabhas, respectively, the Prime Minister who was not a member of either House of Parliament, nominated another Minister as the Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha as well as in the Rajya Sabha.

The Leader of the House is an important parliamentary functionary and exercises direct influence on the course of business. The whole policy of the Government, especially insofar as it is expressed in the inner life of the House and in measures dealing with the course of its business, is concentrated in his person.

The arrangement of Government business is the ultimate responsibility of the Leader of the House. He makes proposals for the dates of summoning and prorogation of the House for the approval of the Speaker. He has to draw up the programme of official business to be transacted in a Session of Parliament; he also fixes inter se priorities for various items of business to ensure their smooth passage. Besides, he deals with procedural matters relating to the business of the House and advises the House in case any difficulty arises. The Leader of the House normally occupies the first seat in the Chamber at the right side of the Chair except in cases when he or she is not the Prime Minister.

Leader of the Opposition

Prior to the 1977 General Elections to the Lok Sabha, except for a brief spell of one year (December 1969-December 1970), there had been no official 'Opposition' in the sense the term is used in the parliamentary system of Government. In November 1969, for the first time since Independence, the Lok Sabha had a recognised Opposition party and a Leader of the Opposition. Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha also, until 1969, there was no Leader of the Opposition in the real and accepted sense of that expression.

The Leaders of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha are now accorded statutory recognition and given salary and certain other facilities and amenities under the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. The Leader of the Opposition occupies a seat in the front row left to the Chair. He/she also enjoys certain privileges on ceremonial occasions like escorting the Speaker-elect to the rostrum and a seat in' the front row at the time of the Address by the President to members of both the Houses of Parliament.

Whips

In the parliamentary form of Government, a party has its own internal organization inside Parliament and is served by a number of officials known as the Whips, chosen from members of the party itself. The main function of the Whips is to keep members of their party within sound of the Division Bell whenever any important business is under consideration in the House. During sessions, the Whips of different parties send to their supporters periodic notices, also sometimes called 'Whips', apprising them when important Divisions are expected, telling them the hour when a vote will probably take place, and requesting them to be in attendance at that time.

Realizing the vital role played by the Chief Whips and leaders of parties and groups in Parliament as important party functionaries, an Act namely the Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognized Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act {Act 5 of 1999) was passed during the Twelfth Lok Sabha. The Act inter alia provides additional Secretarial assistance and telephone facilities to the Leaders and Chief Whips.

Government Chief Whip: The Chief Whip of the Government Party in the Lok Sabha is the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. In the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs holds this position. The Chief Whip is directly responsible to the Leader of the House. It is part of his duties to advise the Government on parliamentary business and to maintain a close liaison with the Ministers in regard to parliamentary business affecting their Departments. The Chief Whip is assisted by one or two Ministers of State and at times by Deputy Ministers also.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Country Report:

The Philippine Congress

                TERENCIO M. GRANA

                             Chief, Indexing and Monitoring

                             Bills and Index Service

                             House of Representatives

                             PHILIPPINES

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table of Contents

1    Introduction

     2    The Philippine Legislature (Prologue)

     3    The Constitutional Mandate

     4    History

              4.1   Malolos Congress

              4.2   Philippine Commission of 1901

              4.3   Unicameral National Assembly

              4.4   Congress of the Philippines

              4.5   The Batasang Pambansa: A Unicameral Legislature

              4.6   The present Philippine Congress

                      - The February 1986 People Power Revolution

                     - The New Congress

       5    Members of Congress of the Philippines

       6    How A Bill Becomes a Law

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTRODUCTION

The Congress of the Philippines (Filipino: Kongreso ng Pilipinas; also known in its Spanish name Congreso de Filipinas) is the national legislature of the Republic of the Philippines. It is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate – Senado (upper chamber), and and the House of Repreentatives – Kamara de Representantes (lower chamber) although commonly in the Philippines, the term Congress refers to the latter.

THE PHILIPPINE LEGISLATURE

When the Philippines was under American colonial rule, the legislative body was the Philippine Commission which existed from September, 1900 to October, 1907. The President of the United States appointed the members of the Philippine Commission.

The Philippine Bill of 1902 mandated the creation of a bicameral or a two-chamber Philippine Legislature with the Philippine Commission as the Upper House and the Philippine Assembly as the Lower House. This bicameral legislature was inaugurated in October, 1907. Through the leadership of then Speaker Sergio Osmena and then Floor Leader Manuel Quezon, the Rules of the 59 t h Congress of the United States was substantially adopted as the Rules of the Philippine Legislature.

In 1916, the Jones Law changed the legislative system. The Philippine Commission was abolished, and a new bicameral Philippine Legislature consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate was established.

The legislative system was changed again in 1935. The 1935 Constitution established a unicameral National Assembly. But in 1940, through an amendment to the 1935 Constitution, a bicameral Congress of the Philippines consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate was created.

Upon the inauguration of the Republic of the Philippines in 1946, Republic Act No. 6 was enacted providing that on the date of the proclamation of the Republic of the Philippines, the existing Congress would be known as the First Congress of the Republic.

The 1973 Constitution abolished the bicameral Congress and created a unicameral Batasang Pambansa in a parliamentary system of government.

The 1987 Constitution restored the presidential system of government together with a bicameral Congress of the Philippines.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, as in past constitutions, vested the power of government on the legislative, executive, and the judiciary.

The Legislative Power is vested in the Congress of the Philippines which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent reserved to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum.

The Executive Power is vested in the President of the Philippines, and;

The Judicial Power is vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law.

The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than two hundred and fifty (250) members, unless otherwise fixed by law, who shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of their respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio, and those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organizations. The sectoral congressmen represent the minority sectors of the population. This enables these minority groups to be represented in the Congress, when they would otherwise not be represented properly through district representation. Also known as party-list representatives, sectoral congressmen represent labor unions, rights groups, and other organizations. The party-list representatives shall constitute twenty per cent (20%) of the total number of representatives including those under the party list.

A Member of the House of Representatives should be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least twenty-five (25) years of age, able to read and write, and, except the party list representatives, a registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately proceeding the day of the election.

The Members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of three years, and shall serve for no more than three consecutive terms.

Evolution of the Philippine Legislative System

The Philippine legislative system has undergone a series of evolutions that reflected the sociopolitical conditions of the times and the level of political maturity of society.

It began with the unicameral Malolos Congress of the short-lived Philippine Republic of 1898-1899, followed by the Philippine Commission of 1901, a colonial legislative system composed of all-American appointees. This body then evolved into a bicameral, predominantly elective, Filipino-controlled legislature by virtue of the Jones Act of 1916, and lasted until November 1935 when the semi-independent Commonwealth Government was inaugurated. A unicameral National Assembly replaced the bicameral body after the 1935 Philippine Constitution was ratified. In 1941, the Constitution was amended, again restoring the bicameral legislature that came to be called the Congress of the Philippines.

Except during the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic from 1942-1945, the Congress functioned as the national legislature until September 1972 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos placed the country under martial law.

The Batasang Pambansa - A Unicameral Legislature

When martial law was declared, the Constitutional Convention, by virtue of an Act of Congress in 1971, was in the process of drafting a new Constitution. The final draft was adopted by the Convention on November 29, 1972. This was ratified and proclaimed by President Marcos on January 17, 1973 amidst widespread protest and controversy. With the proclamation of a new Constitution, the presidential form of government was changed to a modified parliamentary form. Congress was abolished and was replaced by an elected unicameral National Assembly, known as Batasang Pambansa.

The Batasang Pambansa was made up of a maximum of 200 Members elected from different provinces with their component cities, highly urbanized cities and districts of Metropolitan Manila, appointed representatives from various sectors such as the youth, agricultural and industrial labor sectors, and those chosen by the President from the members of the Cabinet. The Members had a term of six years.

The Present Philippine Congress

The February 1986 Revolution People Power Revolution

The world-famed bloodless coup of February 22-25, 1986 ushered in a new political regime. President Corazon Aquino, backed by a coalition of forces from both ends of the political spectrum, forged a new government, triggering a chain of events that dramatically changed the political landscape of the country and signalled the rebirth of democracy. These political changes were: the abolition of the Batasang Pambansa following the proclamation of a new revolutionary government; the organization of a Constitutional Commission that drafted a new charter which, in turn, was ratified in February 1987; the rebirth of the old bicameral system; and the election of Members to the new Congress.

The New Congress

The new Congress has the biggest membership and is probably the most powerful among its predecessor legislatures. The Constitutional Commission (ConCom) clothed it with vast powers to perform a wider and more dynamic role. This fact is partly reflected in the Charter itself, which devotes 32 sections to the legislative department compared with only 23 for the executive and 16 for the judicial departments.

The new bicameral Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The upper chamber or the Senate is composed of 24 Members elected at-large by the qualified voters of the Philippines. On the other hand, the lower chamber or the House of Representatives is composed of "not more than 250 Members, who are elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities and the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio and those, as provided by law, elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations". [Sec. 5(1), Art. VI, 1987 Philippine Constitution]

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Rules and Laws are made by lawmakers in the Philippine Legislature which is also called the Congress of the Philippines. Congress has two chambers or houses - the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives are called Representatives or Congressmen/Congresswomen. They are elected to a three-year term by voters in their respective legislative districts. A Representative can serve for not more than three consecutive terms. There are 212 legislative districts in the country. A legislative district is composed not less than 250,000 people and there are 212 representatives elected by district. In addition, there are Representatives elected through the party-list system who constitute not more than twenty percent (20%) of the total number of Representatives.

Lawmakers in the Senate are called Senators who are elected at large or nationwide by qualified voters to a six-year term. Senators can serve for not more than two consecutive terms. The Senate has twenty-four (24) Senators.

To qualify for election as a Representative, he or she must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter in the district in which you seek to be elected, a resident therein for not less than one (1) year before the day of the election and at least twenty-five (25) years of age. To qualify for election as a Senator, he or she must have to be a natural-born Filipino citizen, a registered voter, a resident of the Philippines for at least two (2) years before the day of the election and at least thirty-five (35) years old.

The Constitution provides that Congress convenes for its regular session every year beginning on the 4th Monday of July. A regular session can last until thirty days before the opening of its next regular session in the succeeding year. The President may, however, call special sessions which are usually held between regular sessions to handle emergencies or urgent matters.

THE SPEAKER

The Speaker leads, manages and presides over the House of Representatives. A majority of all the Members of the House elects the Speaker. Those who voted for the Speaker belong to the Majority while those who voted for the Speaker's opponent belong to the Minority. Representatives belonging to the Majority choose the Majority Floor Leader who automatically chairs the Committee on Rules, and those in the Minority choose the Minority Floor Leader. The other officers of the House of Representatives are the Deputy Speakers, the Secretary-General and the Sergeant-at-Arms who are also elected by a majority of all the Representatives.

Committees, or small groups of Representatives, headed by committee chairpersons, study proposed laws called bills, and other measures relating to issues and concerns affecting our lives, our communities and our society. They conduct hearings that give the citizens opportunities to express their views on proposed laws or measures. Employees of the House constituting Committee Secretariats provide the committees with legislative support services such as research, report preparation, policy studies and the like.

The Representatives can be seen in action during sessions or committee hearings and if somebody wishes to speak with any one of them during sessions or hearings, the Pages who assist and run errands for the representatives in the Session Hall and in the conference rooms, can bring the notes and messages to the Representative someone wishes to speak with.

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

PREPARATION OF THE BILL

The Member or the Bill Drafting Division of the Reference and Research Bureau prepares and drafts the bill upon the Member's request.

FIRST READING

1. The bill is filed with the Bills and Index Service and the same is numbered and reproduced.

2. Three days after its filing, the same is included in the Order of Business for First Reading.

3. On First Reading, the Secretary General reads the title and number of the bill. The Speaker refers the bill to the appropriate Committee/s.

COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION/ACTION

1. The Committee where the bill was referred to evaluates it to determine the necessity of conducting public hearings.
   
   

If the Committee finds it necessary to conduct public hearings, it schedules the time thereof, issues public notics and invites resource persons from the public and private sectors, the academe and experts on the proposed legislation.

If the Committee finds that no public hearing is not needed, it schedules the bill for Committee discussion/s.

2. Based on the result of the public hearings or Committee discussions, the Committee may introduce amendments, consolidate bills on the same subject matter, or propose a subsitute bill. It then prepares the corresponding committee report.

3. The Committee approves the Committee Report and formally transmits the same to the Plenary Affairs Bureau.

SECOND READING

1. The Committee Report is registered and numbered by the Bills and Index Service. It is included in the Order of Business and referred to the Committee on Rules.

2. The Committee on Rules schedules the bill for consideration on Second Reading.

3. On Second Reading, the Secretary General reads the number, title and text of the bill and the following takes place:

1. Period of Sponsorship and Debate
2. Period of Amendments
3. Voting which may be by:

1. viva voce
2. count by tellers
3. division of the House; or
4. nominal voting

THIRD READING

1. The amendments, if any, are engrossed and printed copies of the bill are reproduced for Third Reading.

2. The engrossed bill is included in the Calendar of Bills for Third Reading and copies of the same are distributed to all the Members three days before its Third Reading.

3. On Third Reading, the Secretary General reads only the number and title of the bill.

4. A roll call or nominal voting is called and a Member, if he desires, is given three minutes to explain his vote. No amendment on the bill is allowed at this stage.

1. The bill is approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Members present.
2. If the bill is disapproved, the same is transmitted to the Archives.

TRANSMITTAL OF THE APPROVED BILL TO THE SENATE

The approved bill is transmitted to the Senate for its concurrence.

SENATE ACTION ON APPROVED BILL OF THE HOUSE

The bill undergoes the same legislative process in the Senate.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

1. A Conference Committee is constituted and is composed of Members from each House of Congress to settle, reconcile or thresh out differences or disagreements on any provision of the bill.

2. The conferees are not limited to reconciling the differences in the bill but may introduce new provisions germane to the subject matter or may report out an entirely new bill on the subject.

3. The Conference Committee prepares a report to be signed by all the conferees and the Chairman.

4. The Conference Committee Report is submitted for consideration/approval of both Houses. No amendment is allowed.

TRANSMITTAL OF THE BILL TO THE PRESIDENT

Copies of the bill, signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and certified by both the Secretary of the Senate and the Secretary General of the House, are transmitted to the President.

PRESIDENTIAL ACTION ON THE BILL

1. If the bill is approved the President, the same is assigned an RA number and transmitted to the House where it originated.

2. If the bill is vetoed, the same, together with a message citing the reason for the veto, is transmitted to the House where the bill originated.

ACTION ON APPROVED BILL

The bill is reproduced and copies are sent to the Official Gasette Office for publication and distribution to the implementing agencies. It is then included in the annual compilation of Acts and Resolutions.

ACTION ON VETOED BILL

The message is included in the Order of Business. If the Congress decides to override the veto, the House and the Senate shall proceed separately to reconsider the bill or the vetoed items of the bill. If the bill or its vetoed items is passed by a vote of two-thirds of the Members of each House, such bill or items shall become a law.

Note: A joint resolution having the force and effect of a law goes through the same process.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Valedictory

Officials of the Parliament of India, Members and staff of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, colleagues, my fellow parliamentary interns, friends, guests, ladies and gentlemen.

For an auspicious occasion like this, delivering a valedictory speech is a big honor – I feel privileged to give a message in behalf of the participants of the 27th Parliamentary Internship Programme for Foreign Parliamentary Officials. I know everyone is capable of coming  up with enriching speeches based on his or her own learnings gained in the past 4 weeks of training. We don't have time for this, though, so I guess I'll just have to do my best to share some insights and realizations during the internship program.

We are gathered here today to ceremonialize a commencement exercise. But let me quickly  bring you all  back in time -- picture the very first day of the internship program when we were asked to assemble for the welcome and briefing session. In restrospect, there was an atmosphere of eagerness  and expectations yet there were uncertainties whether we will learn something  at the end of the course. At the same time, we were looking forward to having an animated, well-disposed weeks ahead. Nevertheless, time simply flew. Yes! The Parliamentary Internship Program is paying off and today, it is coming to a close. And now, we are here in this very same hall gathered once more with feeling of triumph as well as ambivalence. Triumph because we all made it – we all deserve a congratulations and a pat in the back; ambivalence because it’s time to say adieu.

The Programme was a worthwhile undertaking for each and every one of us. It has given everyone opportunities to work on our own parliamentary issues. For the participants, it was a truly rewarding experience as well as an enlightening one. More than that, it was a challenge. And I say the best challenge should lie ahead, when we are all expected to share the significant inputs; to use the practical tools we have picked up during the lectures that may enhance the parliamentary system in our respective countries. Indeed, this added knowledge will certainly broaden our parliamentary perspectives.

Today is a fitting time to express gratitude. We have much to be thankful for. The programme organizer – the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training has given us the opportunity to be acquainted with India’s Parliamentary affairs as well as glimpses of the different legislative processes and practices in other parts of the globe; to appreciate and experience the unique culture of India through local sight-seeing tours, visits to museums and places of attractions and historical importance, cultural shows, etc.

We would like to convery our deep appreciation to the Parliament of India, the Lok Sabha, the Secretariat and its staff who painstakingly worked to ensure the success of the training program. Thank you for the warmth , cordiality and generosity we all  have received during the month-long stay  in Incredible India .

Likewise, we acknowledge the vital roles the resource speakers have played in taking charge of the task of imparting to us through their expertise the workings of the Parliament of India including its functions and activities in the context of how it goes about its constitutional responsibilities.

Furthermore, the 4-week activity went beyond just India Legislature. It has touched beyond culture and beyond borders. It’s about building relationships and cultural bridges. We may have culture mix and differences in tradition but these did not prevent  45 people from other parts of the world to come together, foster friendships, motivate each and everyone to face  challenges to new heights; and somehow to bring out the best in ourselves. In the end, however, it is our own duty and responsibility how much of these parliament information we could imbibe and what we will do with it . What is essential is that we have acquired new and unique information that can benefit our respective mother institutions back home.

Lastly, we are thankful for each other – for the camaraderie we have shown to one another in too short a time. We will keep the flame of friendship burning even with geographical distances between our countries. We will carry on to develop lasting professional relationships and continue to exchange concepts and ideas of matters related to Parliament long after this Internship Programme has come to an end. Today is one special event to acknowledge the value of maintaining and strengthening ties to the world. So let us all mark this moment with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

I know we're all anxious to get on with the ceremony and begin the celebratory banquet so allow me to share with you one last thought by William Arthur Ward (an American scholar, teacher and author):

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than dream: work. ”

Best wishes for our future endeavors.  Thank you and Mabuhay!

TERENCIO M. GRANA - Philippines

Participant

27th Parliamentary Internship Program for Parliamentary Officials

Lok Sabha, New Delhi, India

(2 December 2011)