The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 125th year celebrations of Uttar Pradesh Legislature today (January 8, 2013) at Lucknow.

The President wished all members of Uttar Pradesh Legislature on the memorable occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, he stated that being a representative of the people is an honour but carries with it great responsibility. It is incumbent on representatives to be not only sensitive and responsive to the problems and concerns of the electorate, but to lend their voice for its amelioration, he said.

The President said that it is unfortunate that the time devoted by legislators towards legislation has been gradually declining and this is true of legislatures across the country. Unless legislation is preceded by adequate discussion and scrutiny, they may not result in delivering the desired results or meeting its objectives, he stated.

The President also said that in the recent past, there is an increasing tendency to resort to disruption as a means of Parliamentary intervention which neither serves any purpose nor provides an effective method to get view point across the other side. He stated that the entire Assembly must work jointly in a spirit of co-operation and harmony for the benefit of the people, the State and the country.

Reference to the recent tragic loss of a young girl who became the victim of a heinous crime in Delhi, the President said that if a country cannot respect its mothers, daughters and sisters that country is not civilised. Let us dedicate the year 2013 to improving the safety, security and dignity of women, the President added.

This release issued at 1800 hrs