Parliament highlights: Rajya Sabha second House, not secondary, says Modi

Parliament session Highlights: Citizenship Bill, Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Transgender (Protection of Rights) Bill among the 47 items expected to be taken up in the parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi. Photo: ANI

With disruptions in Rajya Sabha in the past hindering passage of crucial legislations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Upper House of Parliament was essential for checks and balance in democracy but a distinction needs to be drawn between checking and clogging.

Speaking on the occasion of the landmark 250th session of Rajya Sabha, he lauded Sharad Pawar's NCP and the Biju Janata Dal for never rushing to the well of the House to raise their issues and yet raising their points effectively.

"The Rajya Sabha is about checks and balances. This is absolutely essential for our democracy. Debates have to be many and effective. But, there is also a difference between checking and clogging (and between) balance and blocking," he said.

With some within the ruling party questioning the effectiveness of Rajya Sabha as crucial legislative work got stalled because NDA lacked majority in the House, Modi recalled the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's words that the Upper House "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, adding makers of the Constitution envisioned a bicameral legislative framework and this vision has enriched the democracy.

He, however, wanted the House to function and not disrupt work.

"Today I want to appreciate two parties - NCP and BJD. 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.

"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," he said.

Recalling the work done by Rajya Sabha, Modi said none can forget the role of the House when Bills pertaining to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed.

"This House has worked to further unity."

3:01 PM

2:53 PM

Modi hails NCP and BJD for adhering to parliamentary norms

PM Modi in Rajya Sabha: Today, I want to appreciate two parties, NCP and BJD. These parties have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms. They have never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively. Other parties including mine can learn from them.

2:52 PM

PM Modi concludes his speech. Ex-PM Manmohan Singh is now addressing the upper House

2:46 PM

Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house: Modi quotes Atal Behari Vajpayee

PM Modi: In 2003, Atal ji had remarked that Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house. Today, I agree with the thoughts of Atal ji and add that the Rajya Sabha must be an active supportive house for national development.

2:40 PM

Rajya Sabha allows non-politicians to contribute to the nation, says Modi

Rajya Sabha allows non-politicians to contribute to the nation, Modi said. “Babasaheb Ambedkar is a shining example of what leaders have given to our country through this House. He could not sit in the Lok Sabha for some reason, but it is this Rajya Sabha that recognised his work,” he said.

2:38 PM

Whenever it has been about good of the nation, Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha: Whenever it has been about good of the nation, Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion. It was widely believed that Triple Talaq bill would not pass here but it did. Even GST became a reality after it was passed in this house.

2:35 PM

Rajya Sabha is the place that values experience of those who excel in their respective professions without contesting elections: PM

"Rajya Sabha is the place that values experience of those who excel in their respective professions without contesting elections," PM Modi adds.

2:34 PM

Upper House is the soul of federal structure, says Modi

2:33 PM

Parliament LIVE: Triple talaq bill a landmark step by Rajya Sabha

Modi in Rajya Sabha during discussion on 250th session of the House: The Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to people away from electoral politics to contribute to the country and its development.

2:29 PM

Parliament LIVE updates: Nation benefitted from the diversity of Rajya Sabha, says Modi

2:28 PM

Lok Sabha is grounded but Rajya Sabha can look beyond and far, says PM Modi

"It is a pride to be part of Rajya Sabha. I feel great to be here on the 250th session of Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha is grounded but Rajya Sabha can look beyond and far. The Upper House sabha has witnessed some historical days," says PM Modi

2:27 PM

PM Modi congratulates all the Members of Parliament for the 250th session of Rajya Sabha. "250th in itself is not just time but a journey," he says.

2:26 PM

Parliament session LIVE updates: Rajya Sabha is a far-sighted House, says Modi

2:24 PM

Parliament LIVE updates: Proud to be a part of this historic session, says Modi

Rajya Sabha has witnessed and created history: Modi

2:23 PM

Rajya Sabha has witnessed and created history: Modi

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First Published: Nov 18 2019 | 9:07 AM IST