New Delhi, August 21 (HS): The Rajya Sabha was on Friday adjourned indefinitely, with Deputy Chairman Harivansh making the announcement in the absence of the Vice President and Chairman.

During the session, 15 bills were either passed or returned, but disruptions and repeated adjournments severely affected the House’s functioning. Harivansh voiced concern over the “precious loss of parliamentary time” and stressed the need for serious introspection.

According to official data, the Upper House functioned for only 41 hours and 15 minutes, recording a productivity of just 38.88 percent. Of the 285 questions, 285 Zero Hour submissions, and 285 Special Mentions scheduled, only 14 questions, 7 Zero Hour submissions, and 61 Special Mentions were taken up.

The session, however, did witness a substantive debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’—India’s response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The two-day discussion saw the participation of 64 members, followed by a detailed reply from the Union Home Minister.

Despite efforts to encourage constructive and disruption-free debate, the Deputy Chairman lamented that the proceedings fell short of expectations. He also pointed out that the Minister of Commerce and Industry delivered a statement on India–U.S. bilateral trade during the session.

Additionally, the Rajya Sabha bade farewell to six retiring members from Tamil Nadu on July 24 in an emotional send-off.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar