Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu enhanced the dignity and decorum of the House in the last five years, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Birla was addressing the farewell function of Naidu, the 13th Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman.
“He has discharged his duties of this high constitutional post with decency, discipline and wisdom and inspired not only the citizens of the country but also the public representatives,” Birla said of Naidu.
Emphasising that it is the strength of the Constitution and democracy of India in which the son of a village farmer can also become the Vice President of the country, Birla said, “Naidu ji has been active in social and political life since his youth.
“As a Member of Parliament and Minister, he served the country with full dedication and devotion and his guidance has been instrumental in formulating many major policies of the country”.
Noting that as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, he has made outstanding contributions in promotion of parliamentary values and traditions, Birla said that he has enhanced the high dignity and decorum of Rajya Sabha.
“Naidu was equally popular among all the members, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, and all the members benefited from his long experience,” he said.
Birla mentioned that as the chairman of Rajya Sabha, it has always been his endeavour that the democratic institutions of the country remain at the center of discussion and dialogue, their dignity is maintained and there should be maximum welfare of the society through meaningful discussion and dialogue. He shall be remembered for his contributions, Birla added.
The Speaker also said that as a minister of the government and then as the Vice President of the country, Naidu worked with full devotion and dedication to bring social, economic changes in the lives of the dispossessed, deprived and poor sections of the country.