PM’s remarks during Special Discussion marking the 250th session of Rajya Sabha.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today spoke at a special discussion in the Upper House of Parliament marking the 250th session of Rajya Sabha.
Addressing the historic session, Prime Minister said that Rajya Sabha made significant contribution to the history of the country and that the house has also seen history being made. He added that the vision of the makers of Indian Constitution in creating a bicameral legislative framework has enriched our democracy.
Prime Minister said that Rajya Sabha is representative of India’s diversity and is a reflection of India’s federal structure. He said that Rajya Sabha never dissolves and its continuance in perpetuity makes the House eternal. Rajya Sabha provides an opportunity to those away from electoral politics to contribute to the nation and its development, PM added.
Prime Minister emphasized the role of Rajya Sabha in furthering the spirit of cooperative federalism as envisioned by the Constitution of India.
He said Rajya Sabha has always risen to the occasion in the interest of nation. In this context, he mentioned about the role of Rajya Sabha in the passage of various important legislations dealing with GST, Triple Talaq and Article 370.
Recalling Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s words on the importance of Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister said that the Rajya Sabha must be a vibrant supportive house for national progress. He also recalled Dr. Balasaheb Ambedkar and his contributions towards national progress and development through the Upper House of Parliament.
Prime Minister appreciated the ethics displayed by certain Members of Parliament in adhering to parliamentary norms and effectively putting across their opinions without disrupting the functioning of the house. Much can be learnt from these practices, he added.
Reminding that Rajya Sabha is vital for the effective functioning of our democracy, Prime Minister said that the checks and balances provided by the Upper House should not be misused for clogging and blocking.
I am happy to be participating in a special discussion to mark a special occasion, the 250th of the Rajya Sabha.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
The makers of our Constitution envisioned a bicameral legislative framework and this vision has enriched our democracy: PM @narendramodi
Two things about the Rajya Sabha stand out:
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
It’s permanent nature. I can say that it is eternal.
It is also representative of India’s diversity. This House gives importance to India’s federal structure: PM @narendramodi
The Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to those away from electoral politics to contribute to the nation and its development: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
Who can forget that it was through the Rajya Sabha that a stalwart like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could contribute even more to national progress: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
Whenever it has been about national good, the Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion and made a strong contribution.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
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: PM @narendramodi
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
We can never forget the role of the Rajya Sabha when Bills pertaining to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
This House has worked to further unity: PM @narendramodi
In 2003, Atal Ji had said that the Rajya Sabha may be the second house but no one should think of it as a secondary house.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
Today, I echo the sentiments of Atal Ji and add that the Rajya Sabha must be a vibrant supportive house for national progress: PM @narendramodi
The Rajya Sabha is about checks and balance. This is absolutely essential for our democracy. Debates have to be many and effective.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
But, there is also a difference between:
Checking and clogging.
Balance and blocking: PM @narendramodi
Today I want to appreciate two parties:@NCPspeaks @bjd_odisha
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
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: PM @narendramodi
