Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday said the daily routine of disruptions have led to questions on the functioning of Parliament and called for "substantive and sincere" introspection.
Winding up a day-long discussion in Lok Sabha marking the 60th year of the first sitting of Parliament, he said public disenchantment is bound to rise if parties fail to collectively resolve to restore the prestige of the institution.
"The daily routine of disruptions, adjournments and shouting in the House are leading many outside to question the efficacy of the institution and faith in public affairs,"
Singh said.
He said the manner in which the MPs have conducted themselves, especially over the last couple of years, have led to a sense of "frustration and disillusionment" among the people.
"If we have to resolve, if we have to restore the prestige of the institution then each one of us needs to lead by example," the Prime Minister said.
"We must resolve the rules and procedures which we have collectively formulated would be honoured in letter and spirit," Dr Singh said, adding that leaders of political parties should sit together to find solutions so that the proceedings are not disrupted on all occasions.
He said mature democracies can address the daily pressures of politics and long term demands of the country.
Dr Singh recalled that several countries in Asia, Africa and South America which gained independence along with India either succumbed to the "scourge" of military dictatorship or single party rule.
But on the other hand, India has so far seen 15 general elections and scores of assembly and local body polls, he noted.
He said the innate wisdom of the people and the strength of the democratic institutions will guide India on the "right path".
