Text of the Chairman’s Valedictory Remarks at the 266th Session of Rajya Sabha

Hon’ble Members,

I am imparting my valedictory remarks.

As we conclude this session, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of our Constitution, we face a moment of serious reflection. While our celebration of Samvidhan Divas in the historic Samvidhan Sadan was meant to reaffirm democratic values, our actions in this House tell a different story.

The stark reality is troubling, this session’s productivity stands at a mere 40.03%, with just 43 hours and 27 minutes of effective functioning. As parliamentarians, we are drawing severe criticism from the people of India and rightfully so. These persistent disruptions are steadily eroding public trust in our democratic institutions while we did pass the Oilfields Amendment Bill and Boilers’ Bill of 2024, and heard the statement by Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs on India-China relations. These achievements are overshadowed by our failures.

The growing trend of publicizing notices through media before parliamentary consideration and recourse to Rule 267 further undermines our institutional dignity. We stand at a critical crossroads, the 1.4 billion citizens of Bharat expect better from us.

It is time to choose between meaningful debate and destructive disruption. Our democratic legacy demands we rise above political differences and restore the sanctity of parliamentary discourse.

I thank the Deputy Chairman, Vice Chairperson, Secretary General, staff, and media for their support.

Let us return with renewed commitment to serve our nation with the dignity it deserves.

Jai Hind.

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JK/RC/SM