New Delhi, 25 July (H.S.):

Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday said that differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but the commitment of all members must remain towards the Constitution and the people. He emphasised that debates, discussions and even disruptions should be aimed at achieving outcomes, adding that disruptions merely for the sake of disruption do not serve any democratic purpose.

He was addressing the two-day orientation programme ‘Prarambh’ organised for newly elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha following the 2026 biennial elections. The programme was attended by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha P.C. Mody, Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

Congratulating the new members, C.P. Radhakrishnan said that 67 members have entered the Rajya Sabha for the first time this year. He said that although the members represent different states, they are united by a common purpose.

“We are united by one document, our Constitution; one vision, Nation First; and one goal, a developed India,” he said.

The Chairman highlighted the importance of Question Hour and Zero Hour for parliamentarians and said that maintaining their dignity is the collective responsibility of all members. Referring to Rule 267, he said that it should be invoked only in “the rarest of rare circumstances” and with the broad consensus of the House.

Emphasising the role of elected representatives, Radhakrishnan said, “Elections are won through votes, but respect is earned through public service.” He added that every policy, every question, every law and every debate has the potential to bring significant changes to the lives of millions of people.

Sharing his parliamentary experience, Radhakrishnan recalled that while serving as a Lok Sabha member, his suggestions made through a parliamentary sub-committee on textiles contributed to the implementation of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), which played an important role in modernising the textile industry. He said even a small parliamentary intervention can lead to far-reaching policy changes.

He urged members to undertake an in-depth study of parliamentary rules, legislative procedures, budgetary processes and the functioning of parliamentary committees. He also informed that special sessions on digital technology and artificial intelligence have been included in this year’s orientation programme.

Radhakrishnan said that AI-based tools such as ‘Vaani Setu’ are now enabling real-time translation facilities in multiple languages in the Rajya Sabha.

Concluding his address, C.P. Radhakrishnan extended his best wishes to all new members for a successful parliamentary journey and dedicated service to the nation.

In his welcome address, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that the newly elected MPs have entered Parliament at a time when the country has moved into the ‘Amrit Kaal’ phase and that they will have an important role in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

He said the responsibilities of parliamentarians include ensuring government accountability, raising issues of public interest, offering constructive criticism and providing meaningful suggestions on legislative proposals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar