Donating Rajya Sabha salary deserves no praise
In the face of mounting criticism over his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, master batsman Sachin Tendulkar has donated the Rs 90 lakh that he earned as a legislator in salaries and other monthly allowances to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. Whether one interprets this "gesture" as an act of atonement or a move driven purely by altruism, it does not justify Tendulkar occupying a Rajya Sabha seat for six long years to do nothing.
Tendulkar, along with veteran actress Rekha, has been criticised a lot for poor attendance in Parliament all these years. Both their terms ended recently.
Appreciating Tendulkar's "gesture", the PMO said, "Prime minister acknowledges this thoughtful gesture and conveys his gratitude. These contributions will be of immense help in providing assistance to the persons in distress."
While there is no doubt that any money contributed to the PM's relief fund will only go towards helping the disadvantaged groups in the country or those who become victims of natural disasters, it certainly does not absolve legislators of discharging their duties as public representatives.
A Rajya Sabha seat is neither a "trophy" nor a "state honour". It is a position of trust and responsibility put on the shoulders of those who are found fit for it. It is not a position that one has to accept under duress. Those not wanting to take it can always politely decline the offer.
Any person, whether elected or nominated to the Rajya Sabha, before taking his/her seat in the House has to take an oath before the President of India.
"I [name] having been elected (or nominated) a member of the council of states (Rajya Sabha) do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India2 and that I will faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter."
The duty that Rajya Sabha members vow to discharge is of raising questions on issues concerning the public, making incumbent powers accountable.
Tendulkar, on his part, attended just 29 of the nearly 400 Parliament sessions during his six years as a legislator. He asked just 22 questions and introduced no bills at all. What a monumental waste of a Rajya Sabha seat it was.
Even when he graced Parliament with his presence, Tendulkar failed to make an impact. On December 21, 2017, for instance, Tendulkar was supposed to speak in Parliament about the "right to play and the future of sports in India". He had moved a Short Discussion Motion on the same and was supposed to address several issues including the coverage of Central Health Guarantee Scheme (CGHS) for international medal winners. However, his attempt to address the House failed due to massive ruckus, which is customary of Parliament sessions now.
The seasoned cricketer was nominated to the upper House of Parliament under Article 80 of the Constitution, which stipulates that 12 members be nominated by the President of India from among people who have special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service.
Tendulkar was nominated in the field of "art" by the Congress-led UPA government. That he gave the greatest bowlers of his time a run for their money with his batting skills made him venerable for millions in this country, cutting across all kinds of divides. In response to a petition challenging the appointment, the Centre had told Delhi High Court that the nomination was justified because he was a "distinguished citizen" of the country.
At a time when news of government apathy towards sportspersons is a routine affair and state after state has been found lacking in creating good sports facilities, a "distinguished sportsperson" in Rajya Sabha was expected to raise these issues. But Tendulkar missed out on the opportunity to make a difference at least in this one area. That he accepted the post at a time when he hadn't retired from cricket, leaving him little time to attend Parliament sessions, is something that he should have borne the consequences of.
This seat that Tendulkar occupied for six years could have gone to someone able and responsible, who would have raised the issues of sportspersons who battle resource crunch and bureaucratic red-tapism day in and day out.
Contributing Rs 90 lakh is presumably no big deal for Tendulkar, he could have done it even without being a Rajya Sabha member. His charity record is not too bad after all.
The cricketer has donated the bat that he used to score his 100th century in international cricket. He is known to celebrate his daughter Sara's birthday in the slums of Mumbai. Hundreds of children receive free education in the country because the master blaster sponsors them. These and many such gestures are part of Tendulkar's bid to give back to society.
But a Parliament seat can't be short-changed with charity. We hope the next person to occupy that chair knows better. As for Rekha, we are still to hear of what she is doing to compensate for the colossal loss to the temple of democracy.