New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Monday as part of special discussion to mark the 250th session of the upper House. Addressing 250th session of Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said he was honoured to be a part of this special session.
"This house has seen many historic moments, it has made history also and has seen history being made as well. It is a far-sighted house," said PM Modi. "Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to people away from electoral politics to contribute to the country and its development."
Quoting Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM said, "Rajya Sabha is the second House not the secondary House. It should play the role of the active supportive house for national development." Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there should be always be productive and high quality debates in the house.
PM Modi praised the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Biju Janta Dal (BJD) for their discipline in the house. Both parties have decided not to enter the 'Well' of the Houses during debates.
"Today I want to appreciate two parties, NCP and BJD. These parties have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms. They have never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively. Other parties including mine can learn from them," PM Modi said.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu released a publication on Sunday that detailing Upper House's journey since its first sitting in May 1952. The Rajya Sabha has passed 3,817 bills till the end of 249th session, of which 60 bills lapsed due to dissolution of Lok Sabha at various points of time. A total of 3,818 Acts of Parliament have been enacted since first general elections in 1952.
