Budget session of Rajya Sabha ''best'' in six sessions: Naidu

Ravi S.Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 7

The productivity of the 249th session of Rajya Sabha, which was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, was the “best” in the last six sessions, and fifth best in the last 41 years, according to House Chairman Venkaiah Naidu.

During his valedictory remarks, Naidu also appreciated the performance of the new members of the House for putting forth “facts and knowledge” on the table during discussions.

“This august House turned purposeful and productive,” Naidu said, claiming the productivity of the House was more than 104 per cent—the best in the last five years since 2014.

The session, which was extended to complete legislative business, witnessed the House engaging in 39 “good quality” debates on legislative proposals and issues of public importance, said Naidu.

As many as 32 Bills were cleared over 35 sittings by the House. This includes the landmark Jammu and Kashmir Re-organisation Bill, the contentious Triple Talaq Bill, the National Investigation Agency (Amendment ) Bill, the National Medical Commission Bill, the RTI (Amendment) Bill and the Unlawful Activities ( Prevention) Amendment Bill.

Complimenting the House for better coordination between the Treasury and the Opposition benches, Naidu noted it was a welcome break from the “disruptive past”. He compared the present session with the disruptions of the House experienced during the previous session, which stood out for acrimony, walk-outs, and protests by the opposition parties.

He pitched for salubrious relationship between the government and the opposition parties, suggesting “constant dialogue” between them.