New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Monday said it is the collective responsibility of MPs to utilise the valuable time to debate and decide on issues of national importance as he urged them to remain focused on timely disposal of business.
In his opening remarks on the first day of Monsoon session, Radhakrishnan appealed to all House members to uphold the dignity, discipline and decorum of the institution and said every disruption delays discussion on matters affecting the nation and the people.
He welcomed the members on the first day of the Monsoon session, including the new members.
“This house has a proud tradition of meaningful deliberations, and I am confident this session will uphold that legacy. We have 19 sittings before us, and it is our collective responsibility to utilise this valuable time to debate and decide on issues of national importance,” he said.
“While differences of opinion are integral to parliamentary democracy, they must be expressed in a manner that preserves the sanctity of the House. Disruptions should not be allowed to undermine its functioning,” he said.
Noting that this session has an important legislative and deliberative agenda, the chairman said, “I urge members to remain focussed on the timely disposal of business, as every disruption delays discussion on matters affecting the nation and the people we represent.”
The House witnessed repeated adjournments during the day as Opposition members led by the Congress demanded action against the guilty in the medical entrance examination question paper leak.
The House was later adjourned for the day without conducting any substantial business.
The chairman also informed the House that from the current session, the Secretariat has introduced live AI-based simultaneous interpretation of the proceedings in nine languages through the Multi-Media Devices at members’ seats.
This facility will gradually be expanded to all 22 scheduled languages. Members are requested to share their feedback for its further improvement, he added.
Earlier, the Chairman administered oath/affirmation in the Chamber to nine newly elected/ re-elected members.
Those administered oath were: Mukeshbhai J Rathwa, Pawan Khera, Mahesh Kewat, James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma, Khiangte Laltluangkima, Satish Poonia, Prakash Chik Baraik, Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray.
Five members took oath in Hindi, two in English and two in Bengali. Three members are from West Bengal and one each from Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
The Chairman made obituary references on the passing away of former members — Balbir K Punj, Swapan Sadhan Bose, Rangasayee Ramakrishna, and H Hanumanthappa.
The House also paid homage to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar.
He passed away on July 12, 2026 at the age of 74.
Members later stood in silence in memory of those who departed. PTI NKD SKC ANU
