March 28, 2018: The Rajya Sabha today gave a warm farewell to sixty of its members from seventeen states, who are retiring between April and July 2018 on completion of their tenure.
They include four nominated members. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the Rajya Sabha is a distinguished House which plays a vital role in country’s democracy. He said the retiring members have contributed significantly to Parliament through their experience and insight.
Mr Modi, however, regretted that the retiring members will not be a part of Parliament when the long due decision on Triple Talaq bill is taken up. The Prime Minister said his office is always open for their thoughts on vital issues.
Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu observed that the contributions made by the retiring members had always enriched and enlivened the debates in the House. He said, their initiative and participation in the Parliamentary Committees have been invaluable. Stating that the participation of women members in the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha has been very significant, Mr Naidu said it is a matter of concern that despite the stellar contributions made by many women members, they still constitute only 11.7 per cent of the total membership of the House.
Deputy Chairman Prof. P J Kurien, who is also retiring, shared his experience in the House. (AIR News)
