'Rajya Sabha's about checks, balance', PM Modi lauds brother political parties, NCP, BJD on first day of Winter Session
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New Delhi, November 18: Jovial, participating in a special discussion to mark a special occasion, the 250th session of the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi while addressing the delegates in the upper house of Parliament affirmed that the makers of our Constitution envisioned a bicameral legislative framework and this vision has enriched our democracy.
"Two things about the Rajya Sabha stand out", he said, "It’s permanent nature, that it is eternal. It is also representative of India’s diversity. This House gives importance to India’s federal structure. The Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to those away from electoral politics to contribute to the nation and its development", he added.
Remembering Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for his contribution in form of the Constitution, PM Modi said that India could never forget that it was through the Rajya Sabha that a stalwart could contribute even more to national progress.
"Whenever it has been about national good, the Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion and made a strong contribution. It was believed that the Bill on Triple Talaq would not pass here but it did. Even GST became a reality after it was passed in the Rajya Sabha", the Prime Minister noted.
"Our Constitution inspires us to work for a Welfare State. It also motivates us to work for the welfare of states. The Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States enables us to further the spirit of cooperative federalism. We can never forget the role of the Rajya Sabha when Bills pertaining to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed. This House has worked to further unity", he added.
In 2003, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that the Rajya Sabha may be the second house but no one should think of it as a secondary house. "Today, I echo the sentiments of Atal Ji and add that the Rajya Sabha must be a vibrant supportive house for national progress", he said.
"The Rajya Sabha is about checks and balance. This is absolutely essential for our democracy. Debates have to be many and effective. But, there is also a difference between. Checking and clogging, Balance and blocking", he said lauding the Nationalist Congress Party and BJD further. "These parties have wonderfully adhered to Parliamentary norms. They have never ventured into the well. Yet, they have made their points very effectively. Much can be learnt from these practices", he said.
The previous session of Parliament created a record for maximum Bills passed in the last 67 years. During the session, the Lok Sabha worked for 281 hours, or 135 percent of the scheduled hours. This figure is higher than any other session in the past 20 years. The Centre had extended the session in order to complete the legislative business. The Rajya Sabha also saw high productivity, at 100 percent.