RS to take up special discussion on role of House to mark 250th session: Naidu

NEW DELHI: The landmark 250th session of Rajya Sabha is set to commence from tomorrow, as Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has chalked out celebratory events with members will take up a discussion on “Role of Rajya Sabha in Indian Polity: Need for Reform” on the first day.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and his Dy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh release a booklet to commemorate Rajya Sabha’s 250th session with opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and TMC leader Derek O’ Brien in New Delhi. PTI

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 17

The landmark 250^th session of Rajya Sabha is set to commence from tomorrow, as Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has chalked out celebratory events with members will take up a discussion on “Role of Rajya Sabha in Indian Polity: Need for Reform” on the first day.

Addressing a meeting of the leaders of various political parties in the House, Naidu informed them that silver coin of Rs 250, postal stamp of the value of Rs 5 and two publications will be released to mark the occasion, while noting that Rajya Sabha has “come a long way towards nation building, but miles to go”.

Sources informed that on the opening day of the session tomorrow, Rajya Sabha is also expected to be adjourned in the first half to pay respect to the members, who have died in the intervening period including former leader of the House Arun Jaitley.

Addressing a meeting of the leaders of various parties and groups at the official residence of the Vice President, Naidu also expressed concerns over absenteeism in committee meetings by members.

He went on to urge 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 panels were envisaged.

“The Upper House, since its inception in 1952, has come a long way contributing to the socio-economic transformation of the country, but it still has miles to go towards proper functioning,” he said.

Giving an account of the journey of the Rajya Sabha during the past 67 years, Naidu said, “Rajya Sabha has been an integral part of the socio-economic transformation of our country since it came into being. 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)”

Referring to the last 249^th session as highly productive and the best in several years, Naidu urged the leaders to ensure that this positive momentum “is sustained during this session so that a few more miles could be covered”.