Manjhi Writes to Lok Sabha Speaker Seeking More Speaking Time for SC/ST MPs

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking adequate speaking time for MPs belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities during discussions on important Bills in Parliament.

In his letter, Manjhi said BJP MP Gajendra Singh Patel, who represents Khargone in Madhya Pradesh, had raised the issue during an NDA MPs Group Dialogue Meeting held at Manjhi’s Delhi residence on August 5.

According to Manjhi, Patel had specifically requested that SC/ST MPs be provided sufficient opportunity to raise issues concerning their communities on the floor of the House.

Manjhi has now urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take further action on the request and issue necessary directions to the concerned authorities.

Speaking to PTI, Patel confirmed that he had raised the issue and said the time available to SC/ST MPs should be increased further, as the speaking time allocated to a political party is divided among its MPs.

“It is not that we do not get time, but we should get more time. More issues concerning SC/ST communities should be raised,” Patel said.

He clarified that the demand was not based on the claim that SC/ST MPs were denied opportunities to speak, but was aimed at ensuring that issues affecting SC/ST communities receive adequate representation during parliamentary discussions.

Patel also acknowledged that MPs from these communities do receive opportunities to participate in debates. However, he argued that additional time would enable them to raise a wider range of concerns affecting their respective communities.

The request comes amid continuing discussions within Parliament and political parties over the participation of MPs from different social groups in legislative debates.

Manjhi’s communication to the Speaker seeks consideration of the request at the institutional level, with the minister asking for appropriate directions to ensure adequate opportunities for SC/ST MPs during discussions on important legislation.