By Our Political Affairs Bureau
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha Chairman M.Venkaiah Naidu has said that the Upper House, since it’s inception in 1952 has come a long way contributing to the socio-economic transformation of the country but still has ‘miles to go’ towards proper functioning. He shared details of the accomplishments of the House and concerns over it’s functioning at a meeting of the leaders of various parties and groups at the official residence of the Vice President here today.
Giving an account of the journey of the Upper House during the last 67 years, Shri Naidu said; “Rajya Sabha has been an integral part of the socio-economic transformation of our country since it came into being in 1952.
From passing the Hindu Marriage and Divorce Bill in 1952 to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in 2019(Triple Talak Bill), from imposition of additional excise duty on dhotis in 1953 to introduction of GST in 2017, from passing the Industrial Disputes (Amendment) Bill in 1954 to the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill in 2019.
From the passage of the Andhra State Bill in 1953 to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill in 2019, from clearing the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bill in 1955 to the National Medical Council Bill in 2019, from setting up of the University Grants Commission in 1954 to empowering the Children with the Right to Free and Compulsory Education in 2009 and from passing the Preventive Detention (Second Amendment) Bill in 1952 to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill in 2019, Rajya Sabha has come a long way in addressing the challenges faced and meeting the requirements of the nation from time to time. But we still have miles to go in letting our country realize it’s full potential by making up for the missed time and opportunities and in respect of the functioning of the House itself.”
Referring to the highly productive last and the 249th session, the best in several years, Shri Naidu urged the leaders to ensure that this positive momentum is sustained during this session so that a few more miles could be covered.
Referring to the reports of absenteeism of members in the meetings of the Department Related Standing Committees, Shri Naidu urged the leaders to ensure proper attendance of MPs so that the Committees could effectively examine and report on various subjects selected and Bills referred in a bipartisan and detailed manner on behalf of the Parliament for which the Committees were envisaged.
Naidu informed the leaders of various events planned for celebrating the landmark 250th session of Rajya Sabha beginning tomorrow. These include:
Release of a publication, titled “Rajya Sabha: The Journey since 1952” providing glimpses of various aspects of functioning of the House and it’s Hindi version;
Discussion in the House on the ‘Role of Rajya Sabha in Indian Polity: Need for Reform’ on the first working day;
Release of a commemorative volume on the evolution of Rajya Sabha and it’s functioning with 44 articles in Hindi and English by the sitting and former members and those associated with the functioning of the House;Release of a Silver coin of Rs.250; and Release of Postal Stamp of Rs.5.00.
Chairman Naidu also informed the leaders that a Joint Sitting of Members of both the Houses of Parliament will be held in the Central Hall on the 26th of this month marking the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.
Naidu also released a publication, titled “Rajya Sabha: The Journey since 1952” providing glimpses of various aspects of functioning of the House and it’s Hindi version.
