Parliament must meet the expectations of people: Meira Kumar

Parliament must lead to fulfill the aspirations and expectations of people besides working towards realising the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said today.

"Parliamentary democracy is an effective medium of empowerment of the poor and downtrodden in the country. The 'power of vote' empowers the common people to fulfil their democratic aspirations," she said while delivering the Ranbir Singh Memorial Lecture on 'Parliamentary Democracy and Development' in Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) here.

The need of the hour is to bridge the gap between rich and the poor in the society, fight social inequities and break the barriers of casteism in society, she said.

The LS speaker paid rich tributes to renowned freedom fighter Ranbir Singh and also to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Martyrs Day.

She also released a book -- 'Alag Raah Ke Pairokaar - Ranbir Singh' -- written by Lt Col (Retd) Chander Singh Dalal.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also attended the function.