People demand better infrastructure, all-weather roads, functioning schools and hospitals, skill-training facilities and jobs.'

Gandhi asked all ministers to take out time to assist MPs, especially in developmental works in their respective constituencies.

'This makes all the difference especially in states where our workers are waging a struggle in the opposition.'

She referred to the flagship National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme that had received an enhanced outlay in the budget, the Right to Education, the Rehabilitation & Resettlement Bills and the proposed National Food Security Act the government plans to translate to law.

Expressing her displeasure on the attendance of MPs in both houses of parliament especially when crucial Bills have been introduced in the month-long session, she said: 'Our chief whips have a tough task mobilising all of you on crucial occasions.

'This reflects poorly on us and does little justice to those who have voted us to represent them here. It is both our individual and collective responsibility to see to it that the attendance record improves,' said Gandhi.