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Parliament celebrates 60th birthday

Last updated on: May 13, 2012 21:11 IST
President Pratibha Patil; Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and other dignitaries arrive at the Central Hall of Parliament

Parliament on Sunday resolved to uphold and maintain its dignity, sanctity and supremacy to make it an effective instrument of change and strengthen the democratic values and principles.

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Parliament celebrates 60th birthday

Last updated on: May 13, 2012 21:11 IST
Speaker Meira Kumar addresses the gathering at the  function to mark the 60th Anniversary of Parliament

Members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha also resolved to enhance the accountability of the government towards the people through Parliament's oversight and rededicate themselves in the sacred task of nation building and noted that a lot more needs to be accomplished.

The resolution, climaxing the day-long debate marking the 60th anniversary of the first sitting of Parliament, moved by Speaker Meira Kumar and Chairman Hamid Ansari, was adopted unanimously by members by voice vote.

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Parliament celebrates 60th birthday

Last updated on: May 13, 2012 21:11 IST
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addresses the gathering

"We, the members...do hereby solemnly reaffirm our total and abiding commitment to the ideals cherished by our founding fathers, and resolve:

a) To uphold and maintain the dignity, sanctity and supremacy of Parliament;

b) To make Parliament an effective instrument of change and to strengthen democratic values and principles;

c) To enhance the accountability of the government towards the people through the oversight of Parliament, #8743

d) To rededicate ourselves completely to the sacred task of Nation Building," the resolution read.

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Parliament celebrates 60th birthday

Last updated on: May 13, 2012 21:11 IST
President Pratibha Patil releases coins in the denomination of Rs 10 and Rs 5 at the function to mark the 60th anniversary of Parliament

The two Houses recalled the immense sacrifices made by freedom fighters in the nation's struggle for independence and the stellar role played by the founding fathers of the Constitution in mandating equality, fraternity, justice, brotherhood of mankind and the uplift of under-privileged and downtrodden sections of society.

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Parliament celebrates 60th birthday

Last updated on: May 13, 2012 21:11 IST
President Pratibha Patil addresses the gathering

Members also acknowledged with satisfaction and pride the maturity of the people of India who have cherished the democratic values and worked ceaselessly for the unity and integrity of the nation.

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Parliament celebrates 60th birthday

Last updated on: May 13, 2012 21:11 IST
Rishang Keishing, MP (Rajya Sabha), Resham Lal Jangde,  Kandala Subrahmanyam and Kanety Mohana Rao, all members of the first Lok Sabha, after felicitations at the function

They also noted that in the last 60 years, Parliament had through epoch-making laws taken decisive steps towards ensuring equity and justice in all matters for establishing an inclusive society in pursuance of the deep faith and commitment to ideals enshrined in the Constitution.

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Last updated on: May 13, 2012 21:11 IST

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