Rajya Sabha Chairman Flags Disruptions As Monsoon Session Ends With 39% Productivity

Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday expressed “deep concern” over repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session, saying persistent disorder had repeatedly derailed the proceedings of the Upper House. As he adjourned the Rajya Sabha sine die, Radhakrishnan described the disruption of parliamentary business as a matter of regret and urged members to uphold the dignity of the House and discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the highest traditions of Indian democracy.

The Monsoon Session began on July 20 and witnessed repeated adjournments as Opposition members raised several issues and demanded discussions on them. Radhakrishnan said the loss of valuable working hours deprived the House of opportunities for meaningful debate on matters of national importance. He made the remarks while reflecting on the functioning of the Rajya Sabha during its 271st Session.

According to the Chairman, the Rajya Sabha functioned for only 37 hours and 49 minutes during the session, recording productivity of 39.17 per cent. Despite the limited functioning, the House considered, passed or returned 12 Bills. Radhakrishnan highlighted the legislative work completed during the session while also stressing that the overall level of productivity was significantly affected by repeated disruptions.

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The Upper House witnessed protests over several issues during the session. Opposition parties raised concerns over alleged police action against students protesting over the NEET paper leak issue and also sought discussions on allegations concerning donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The protests led to repeated interruptions of proceedings, with members seeking government responses on matters they considered important.

Radhakrishnan said the House could have achieved considerably more had members collectively participated in proceedings, contributed their views and engaged in meaningful deliberations. While acknowledging that the Rajya Sabha managed to perform its core legislative responsibilities by considering and passing or returning 12 Bills, he stressed that legislative work was only one part of Parliament's role. Discussion, debate and scrutiny of issues of national importance are also central to parliamentary functioning.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman appealed to members to maintain the dignity and sanctity of the Upper House. He said parliamentary responsibilities should be discharged in the highest traditions of Indian democracy and expressed hope that future sessions would provide greater scope for constructive participation. The session's productivity figures and repeated disruptions have once again highlighted concerns over the balance between political protest and the effective functioning of Parliament.

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