New Delhi, Aug 8 : Due to the clashes between the Opposition and the government, nearly 47 hours went by, while the proceedings lasted over 35 hours in the 257th session of Rajya Sabha that had started on July 18. The House was in session for 16 hours.
However more than 47 hours were lost due interruptions “which can be a dismal reflection of the working of the Upper House of Parliament” said the Chairman who is retiring, M.Venkaiah Naidu on Monday.
“The session was marked by constant and frequent interruptions that deprived the members of the opportunity to debate issues of urgent public concern and to seek accountability of the executive through questions,” he said.
Of the 235 questions starred acknowledged, only 61 of them could be answered in person The Question Hour could not be used for 7 days.
There are only 25 topics that can be discussed by the members with the approval of the chair, and only 60 Special Mentions can be made during the entire session.
The House debated the issue of increasing prices of vital things in the shape of an informal discussion that lasted more than four hours in which 33 members were present in the discussion.
Only four government bills were considered and approved during the Session.
A total of 27 bills from Private Members were presented, and only one Private Member’s Bill relating to “Right to Health” was able to be discussed in part throughout the entire session.
There were no Private Members’ Resolutions that could be adopted.
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