"Now that the state convenors have been elected, I hope that the problem of poor attendance in both Houses will be rectified," she said.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi today noted with concern the problem of poor attendance of party MPs in the Parliament and hoped that corrective action will be taken with the party electing its state convenors.
"Now that the state convenors have been elected, I hope that the problem of poor attendance in both Houses will be rectified," she said addressing a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) here.
Taking exception to the absence of members, she said, "Our chief whips have a tough task mobilizing all of you on crucial occassions. This reflects poorly on us and does little justice to those who have voted us to represent them here."
Noting that there is a large number of ministers from Congress Party, Gandhi said expectations and demands from constituencies have increased and asked the ministers to give time and be of assistance to MPs.
She also asked the ministers to visit party offices and interact with party functionaries when they travel within the country.
Gandhi said the party is planning a series of training sessions for the MPs and asked the members particularly the first timers to regularly participate in Standing Committees and Consultative Committees.
The Party president asked the members to familiarize themselves with the policies and programmes of the government and see that they are properly implemented.
"We have been given a decisive mandate and people expect us to fulfill their aspirations," Gandhi said. Addressing the CPP, Gandhi dwelled on several other issues.
She hailed the election of Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and said it reflected the party's "steadfast commitment to women empowerment".
Gandhi felt that the Budget has set into motion implementation of many of the pledges the party had made to the people during the Lok Sabha elections.
Noting the budget has substantially increased allocations in key areas despite difficult fiscal environment, she said, "the challenge ahead will be to ensure that these enhanced allocations lead to improved outcomes and make a tangible difference to the daily life of Aam Admi."
Gandhi mentioned setting up of a delivery monitoring unit in PMO and an independent evaluation office as "proof" of the party's determination to ensure that government spending has an effective and visible impact.
The Congress president said the Right to Education Bill will be passed by both the Houses while Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill and National Green Tribunal Bill will be introduced before the Parliament session gets over.
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