Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Monday cautioned that if Parliament failed to address social inequalities and prejudices, it might lead to a public revolution.
Inaugurating a two-day seminar organised by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, Meira said the caste system and untouchability had given rise to despicable practices such as manual scavenging.
The Speaker said Parliament should rise to the occasion to meet the expectations of the nation and that the House should be allowed to function.Meira said Parliament should function uninterrupted to fulfil its responsibility of making laws. She hoped that a pending Bill which seeks to check disruption of Parliament proceedings will be passed with the support of all parties.
Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said the early passage of the Bill prohibiting employment of manual scavengers and their rehabilitation is necessary.
“Unless these liberated scavengers are given alternative jobs, the purpose of the exercise would be defeated. They have to be given proper employment after imparting some vocational training,” he said.
It may be recalled that President Pranab Mukherjee had recently reminded elected representatives of the need to meet people’s expectations.