Lucknow, Jan 8 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that a
country is not civilised if it cannot respect its mothers, daughters and
sisters.

"Let us dedicate the year 2013 to improving the safety,
security and dignity of women," he added in reference to the recent
tragic loss of a young girl who became the victim of a heinous crime in
Delhi.

President Mukherjee, who inaugurated the 125th year
celebrations of Uttar Pradesh Legislature here today, 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.

President
Mukherjee 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 added.

President
Mukherjee further 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 viewpoint 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.

President Mukherjee also wished all members of Uttar Pradesh Legislature on the memorable occasion. (ANI)