By IANS,
New Delhi : Proceedings of question hour in the Lok Sabha Wednesday were low key with the notable exception of Speaker Somnath Chatterjee’s witty comments and remarks.
When an MP said a separate budget discussion was needed for issuing more funds under certain heads, Chatterjee said: “We don’t have enough time for the current discussion and you want a separate budget discussion?”
The speaker never lets go an opportunity to pull erring MPs. Ramji Lal Suman of the Samajwadi Party walked in late during question hour. Even before he could settle down, a question listed under his name came up. Chatterjee said: “You want to ask the question?” When the MP appeared confused, the speaker asked: “Are you aware that there is a question listed under your name?” Suman kept mum, trying to gather his wits. The other MPs had a good laugh.
Republican Party of India member Ramdas Athavale, who was next, was asked by the speaker: “Are you interested in asking your question?” But Athavale was ready, having seen Suman fumble.
When it was stated that doctors don’t want to work in remote areas and should be paid more as incentive, Chatterjee said: “Everybody wants more money to do his duty.”
Later, Ranjeet Ranjan, Lok Janshakti Party MP from Saharsa, told the house that candidates aspiring to be doctors pay up to Rs.3 million as donation for admission in a medical college. The speaker responded: “We (people) also pay to get admission. There are those who pay and there are also those who accept donation.”