New Delhi, 13 August (H.S.):

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday after passing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. At the conclusion of the 271st session, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan expressed deep concern over repeated disruptions and disorder in the House, saying they resulted in the loss of valuable time that could have been used for meaningful debate and discussion on important national issues.

In his concluding remarks, Radhakrishnan said persistent disorder and repeated interruptions affected the functioning of the House throughout the session. Despite the disruptions, he said, the Rajya Sabha discharged its core legislative responsibilities by taking up 12 Bills and either passing or returning them.

He said the outcome could have been significantly different had all members participated collectively, offered constructive suggestions and contributed to meaningful deliberations.

Radhakrishnan said the Rajya Sabha functioned for only 37 hours and 49 minutes during the session, recording a productivity rate of 39.17 per cent. Members had the opportunity to raise 285 starred questions, 380 matters during Zero Hour and 380 matters under Special Mentions. However, only 16 questions, 52 Zero Hour matters and 93 Special Mentions could actually be taken up in the House.

“There were opportunities to speak in the House, but we did not make full use of the opportunities available to raise the voices of those we represent,” the Chairman said.

He emphasised that as the Upper House of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha has a distinctive responsibility to uphold the traditions of reasoned debate, dignified disagreement and thoughtful law-making. Repeated disruptions, he said, ultimately affect public confidence and the aspirations of citizens.

The Chairman urged members to maintain the highest standards of parliamentary conduct and protect the dignity and sanctity of the House.

New members attend orientation programme

Among the notable developments during the session, Radhakrishnan highlighted a two-day orientation programme organised for newly elected and nominated members. The programme provided members with useful information about parliamentary functioning, procedures and the standards of conduct expected from them.

A total of 35 members participated in the programme. The Chairman also acknowledged Harivansh, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and MPs Ghanshyam Tiwari, Pramod Tiwari, Arun Singh, Dr Sasmit Patra, Sujeet Kumar and Dr John Brittas for sharing their parliamentary experience and practical insights with the participants.

AI-based translation facility introduced

Radhakrishnan also described the increasing use of technology in the House as an important feature of the session. He said an AI-based language translation facility was introduced for the first time through ‘Vani Setu’, enabling members to listen to speeches delivered in regional languages in a language of their choice.

Members also used the ‘Sadasya Setu’ mobile application, which facilitates attendance marking and other parliamentary functions in a faster and secure manner. The Chairman said these technological initiatives would be further developed and improved based on suggestions from members.

Kharge raises Haldwani purification controversy

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of an alleged purification ceremony held at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani following a Congress rally addressed there on August 8.

Kharge strongly objected to the incident, describing it as an instance of untouchability, and demanded that a case be registered against those responsible. He also alleged that the BJP was involved in the incident.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda rejected the allegation, saying the BJP did not support such activities. Condemning the incident, Nadda said BJP national president Nitin Nabin would take the matter seriously and that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible following an inquiry.

Nadda also urged the Congress not to politicise the matter.

The sharp exchange over the Haldwani incident created a tense atmosphere in the House. Despite the confrontation, the Rajya Sabha proceeded with important legislative business and passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill passed

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy introduced the Bill in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage.

Reddy said the proposed legislation was not intended to interfere with the financial position of any state or with matters concerning land or minerals. He said the government wanted mineral rates to be uniform across the country.

The Bill contains provisions concerning restrictions on the power of states to impose taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The Lok Sabha had passed the legislation on August 12, after which it was sent to the Rajya Sabha for consideration. The Upper House approved it on Thursday.

As the session concluded, Chairman Radhakrishnan expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Chairman, the panel of presiding officers, the Secretary-General and the officers and employees of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

He extended his Independence Day greetings to all members and expressed hope that they would return for the next session with a renewed commitment to upholding the dignity of the House and discharging their parliamentary responsibilities in accordance with the highest traditions of democracy.

The proceedings concluded with the singing of the full national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, following which the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar