Disruptions unbecoming of MPs, says Rajya Sabha Chairman as Winter session ends

Delivering his valedictory remarks, Radhakrishnan said the Winter Session was significant as it marked his first stint presiding over the House after assuming office.He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the House J P Nadda, and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for their felicitations.”The warmth and affection in your felicitations proved a source of great encouragement for me as I sat down discharging my constitutional responsibility as the Chairman of this august House,” he said.He said that in his first address, he sought the cooperation of members for the smooth functioning of the House.”I am happy that Hon’ble Members cooperated with the Chair to complete a significant amount of Business during this Winter Session.”The Chairman noted that the House agreed to extend sittings or skip lunch recess on five days to transact business.He said the session recorded an unprecedented rise in Zero Hour activity, with an average of over 84 notices received daily — a 31 per cent increase over the previous two sessions — while matters actually raised averaged more than 15 per day, up nearly 50 per cent.Highlighting the quality of deliberations, Radhakrishnan said the House held a two-day special discussion on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, with 82 members participating.A three-day discussion on electoral reforms saw interventions from 57 members.During the session, the Rajya Sabha passed or returned eight Bills and adopted a statutory resolution on the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, with participation from 212 members.As many as 59 Private Members’ Bills were introduced, reflecting what he described as the “vibrancy of parliamentary democracy”.The Chairman also cited 58 starred questions, 208 Zero Hour submissions and 87 special mentions during the session, and said he issued a detailed ruling clarifying the scope of Rule 267.Radhakrishnan thanked the Deputy Chairman, members of the panel of vice-chairpersons, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the media for their role in ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings.



Source link