Don't respond to those who speak and leave: Speaker

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday asked Union Minister Jitendra Singh not to respond to the concerns of MPs who left the House after speaking on the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019.His direction came after Singh referred to the concerns expressed by AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi who said states' autonomy would be eroded through the amendment of the Bill which was later passed by the Lok Sabha amid strong objections of the opposition.The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions was responding to the apprehensions of Owaisi who was not present in the House.The Speaker stressed if a lawmaker leaves the House after delivering his speech, there is no need to reply to issues he raised."Why answer those who leave after speaking? The answer should also be heard. I am giving a direction," Birla said.In response, Singh said "Your (Speaker) order will be followed". Birla reiterated it is not an order, but a direction.To this Singh responded that it would make the government's task easier.The Speaker later asked the minister not to answer any member who was raising an issue while sitting in his seat. The RTI Amendment Bill, 2019, proposes to give power to the Centre to set the tenure and salaries of State and Central Information Commissioners (CICs).
--IANS rak/rt