TEXT OF THE VALEDICTORY REMARKS MADE BY THE HON’BLE CHAIRMAN, RAJYA SABHA AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE 271ST SESSION OF RAJYA SABHA

CHAIRMAN: Hon’ble Members,

As the 271st Session of the Rajya Sabha draws to a close, I reflect on its proceedings with deep concern. It is a matter of regret that the Session was marked by persistent disorder and frequent disruptions, which repeatedly derailed the business of the House. The loss of precious working hours also deprived the House of meaningful discussion and debate on matters of national importance.

Despite these disruptions, the House managed to fulfil its core legislative duties by considering and passing or returning 12 Bills. Things would certainly have been different had we collectively participated, contributed our valuable inputs and engaged in meaningful deliberations.

The House functioned for only 37 hours and 49 minutes, recording a productivity of 39.17 per cent. We had the opportunity to raise 285 Starred Questions, 380 Zero Hour Submissions and 380 Special Mentions. Sadly, only 16 Questions, 52 Zero Hour Submissions and 93 Special Mentions could be taken up. The floor was open, but we did not make the fullest use of the opportunities available to us to raise the voice of the people we represent.

Hon’ble Members,

As the House of Elders, this august Chamber has a unique responsibility to uphold reasoned debate, dignified dissent and thoughtful legislation. Repeated disruptions ultimately affect the trust and aspirations of the people. We must therefore strive to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary conduct and preserve the dignity and sanctity of this institution.

A notable feature of this Session was the Orientation Programme organised for the newly elected and nominated Members. The two-day programme provided valuable insights into parliamentary practice, procedure and the standards of conduct expected of Members. The distinguished faculty, comprising Shri Harivansh Ji, senior Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav Ji and highly experienced Members of Parliament, Shri Ghanshyam Tiwari , Shri Pramod Tiwari, Shri Arun Singh, Dr. Sasmit Patra, Shri Sujeet Kumar and Dr. John enriched the programme with their valuable parliamentary experience and practical insights. I am particularly pleased that, despite their busy schedules during the ongoing Session and their responsibilities towards their respective States, 35 Members were able to attend and benefit from the programme. I hope our new Members will carry these learnings forward and contribute meaningfully to the deliberations of the House.

Another notable feature of this Session was the growing use of technology by Hon’ble Members. Through ‘Vani Setu’, AI-based language translation was introduced, enabling Members, for the first time, to listen to the proceedings in a language of their choice, even when a speech was delivered in a regional language. I am pleased that Members have availed themselves of this facility. Members have also made use of the ‘Sadasya Setu’ mobile application for quick and secure attendance and other parliamentary transactions, making the functioning of the House more accessible and efficient. These technological initiatives will continue to evolve, and I would welcome the valuable feedback and suggestions of Hon’ble Members to further improve and strengthen these facilities.

Now, I extend my gratitude to the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman and the Members of the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons for their assistance in conducting the proceedings of the House.

I also acknowledge the untiring efforts of the Secretary-General and his team of officers and staff in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Session. My thanks also go to the print and electronic media for covering the proceedings and keeping the public informed.

Finally, I convey my heartiest greetings to all Hon’ble Members on the occasion of Independence Day and my best wishes for the festivals falling during the inter-Session period.

I hope that when we meet again, we shall do so with a renewed resolve to uphold the dignity of this august House and discharge our parliamentary responsibilities in the highest traditions of our democracy, thereby strengthening our democratic institutions and our democracy at all times.

Thank you.