Protesters criticise Indian MPs

By Sanjoy Majumder
BBC News, Delhi

Parliament's serene exterior belies the heated exchanges within

Hundreds of Indian activists have held a silent protest against the frequent disruption of parliament by MPs.

The passage of several important bills has been delayed because of the constant interruption.

Politicians from the opposition and the governing parties are guilty but have resisted disciplinary moves, including a suggestion that their pay be docked.

The sight of angry MPs shouting at each other on the floor of the house is becoming an all too familiar one.

Day's pay

Several days of parliamentary proceedings were lost in the last session alone because of a showdown between governing party MPs and the opposition - this time over a controversial nuclear deal.

Activists say each day lost costs the government more than $200,000. More importantly, important bills are getting delayed.

In silent protests held across India, rights activists say something drastic needs to be done.

A recent proposal by the speaker of the lower house, Somnath Chatterjee, that those who disrupt parliamentary proceedings should lose a day's pay, was vetoed by MPs.

But those at Monday's protest say this would be a good first step for the men and women who represent the people of the world's largest democracy.