MPs should be role models in fulfilling constitutional duties: LS speaker Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said parliamentarians should serve as role models for people by fulfilling duties prescribed in Constitution. Underlining importance of duties in Constitution, Birla said if citizens turn away from duties and talk only of rights, it creates an imbalance that impedes development of country. dressing members of both houses of Parliament at an event here to mark 70th anniversary of Constitution, he emphasized that "it is high time that all MPs should be a role model for people t only in enjoying rights but also in fulfilling duties and also reminding ors of same."

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Urging all citizens and parliamentarians to discharge ir fundamental duties as enshrined in Constitution, Birla said, "If we do so we would soon be able to create a new India." He described Constitution as a shining example of evolution of India's culture and civilization. Constitution has given sufficient freedom and powers in form of fundamental rights to people, while at same time it has also created a balance by disciplining citizens with directions to fulfill ir fundamental duties, he said.

" Constitution has given us several powers in form of fundamental rights. However, we must always remember that besides fundamental rights, some fundamental duties have also been specified for use in Constitution," Birla said. He underlined that if Indians discharge fundamental duties as enshrined in Constitution in ir day-to-day life, "we would soon be able to create a New India." However, "when we turn away from our duties and talk only of our rights, it creates an imbalance. This imbalance impedes development of country and pace of development slows down." ting importance of Constitution, Speaker said it is torchbearer for people. "We have to create a new im of India with constructive use of our Constitution. And, this great responsibility is upon all of us."

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