Kolkata, July 4 (IANS) MLAs from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress, on Saturday welcomed the ongoing two-day orientation programme for newly elected members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, describing it as an important initiative that would help legislators better understand parliamentary procedures, legislative responsibilities and Assembly conduct.

Speaking on the second day of the programme, BJP MLA Bhaskar Bhattacharya said the initiative would equip legislators with the skills required to function effectively in the Assembly.

“It is a welcome initiative…When you get an opportunity to work for the people, it is important to learn how to function, how to speak, and how to conduct proceedings in the Assembly. Even if there are differences on both sides, the Assembly can function effectively with the right attitude. We are getting an opportunity to learn all these things here,” he told IANS.

Echoing similar views, BJP MLA Rajesh Kumar said such a programme had long been awaited by legislators. “For so many years, this remained only a matter of expectation. Even senior MLAs are saying that no such programme had ever been organised where they could learn how to contribute effectively as good legislators in the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly,” he said.

First-time BJP MLA Deepanjan Guha also welcomed the initiative, saying there was always scope for learning.

“This is a very good initiative. Just like a worship utensil shines only when it is cleaned regularly, learning is also essential. We have become MLAs for the first time, and we still have a lot to learn,” Guha said.

BJP MLA Laxmikant Sahu said the orientation sessions gave the benefit of the experience shared by the Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

“The Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly has come here. His experience has been outstanding. We will apply what we learn from his experience in our lives and while serving as public representatives in our constituencies.”

TMC MLA Md. Akhruzzaman also praised the programme, saying it provided valuable insights into the rights and responsibilities of legislators.

“It has been very good. The Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly explained what the privileges of an MLA are, the expected conduct of legislators and many other aspects with examples. It has been very informative for our MLAs. Such a programme should have been held earlier. It is good that it has been organised now,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Roopa Ganguly said a statue of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee should be installed in West Bengal, recalling his contribution to the state.

“It was because of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s struggle that the West Bengal where we stand today remained a part of India. Because of him, we have this homeland for Hindus. This was also his state, so a statue of him should be made here.”

The two-day orientation programme was inaugurated on July 3 by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata. Organised by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the programme aims to familiarise newly elected members of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly with parliamentary procedures, legislative practices and digital governance, while strengthening their understanding of their roles and responsibilities as public representatives.

–IANS

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