Don't think Parl not working, MPs put forth social issues:

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today said even as a message is getting sent that "nothing is happening" in Parliament, the MPs do bring forth social concerns and also give policy suggestions to the government.

Speaking at the launch of a book by BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab on issues related to the elderly, she said there was a special reason that she became a part of the event and some self-interest.

"The book sends a message that Members of Parliament are not just for political matters or don't just think about political fights, but they are actually the representatives of lakhs of people. They think about feelings of lakhs of people, socially and not just politically," Mahajan said.
 

"Today a perception is getting formed that what is the Speaker doing, nothing is happening and all create hungama. Is this Parliament? Neither is there any control, nor can anyone say anything and there is no discussion. Is it why they have been sent by us?" she said.

"I came because, my members (of Parliament) don't think like this and they also put forth issues of the society and also give suggestion to the government about policy," she said lauding Mahtab's efforts to create awareness for healthcare of the elderly.

The Lok Sabha Speaker's comments come in the backdrop of the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament which has been a near washout over the Opposition's protests on issues like demonetisation and others.

At the event, Health minister J P Nadda said the area related to healthcare of the elderly remained an "ignored" one and expressed his commitment to work in this direction.

Mahtab said the number of elderly is fast rising in the country and mentioned that he had moved a private members' Bill in this regard.

Mahajan also said earlier there were joint families and many of the problems faced today may not have appeared as much.

Problem of loneliness is one often faced by elders, as their children ofter can not stay with them, she added.

Nadda also mentioned that his ministry had launched a Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) project which is the largest survey of its kind.

It will survey more than 60,000 elderly over 25 years plan, he added.

Nadda also mentioned two Centres of Excellence carrying research for the elderly, one in Chennai and another in Delhi.