Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Sunday said large-scale digitisation has made the Upper House increasingly paperless and more efficient, with all members now being provided digital devices to facilitate parliamentary work.
He also praised Rajya Sabha Secretariat officials, saying they possess vast institutional memory and consistently assist members with courtesy and professionalism.
Delivering the valedictory speech at the two-day orientation workshop ‘Prarambh’ for newly-elected members of the Rajya Sabha on Sunday, Harivansh stated that the two-day orientation programme organised for the newly elected and nominated Members of the Rajya Sabha had been meticulously designed to familiarise members with the rules, procedures, conventions and traditions of the House, enabling them to play an effective role in the Chamber.
Harivansh also congratulated the newly elected Members for their active participation and expressed confidence that the programme had helped them become acquainted with the nuances of parliamentary functioning and the various aspects of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
He observed that the programme had been organised into distinct sessions so that members could gain a thorough understanding of the Rules of Procedure and the functioning of the Secretariat. Presentations by senior members and officials, he noted, had explained parliamentary practices through factual and real-life examples, and Members had undoubtedly benefited from the experience.
Referring to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Harivansh said that the Secretary-General had briefed members about the organisation of the Secretariat and the facilities and assistance available to them. He remarked that officials of the Secretariat possess immense institutional memory and are always ready to assist Members with courtesy and professionalism.
He underlined the importance of security cooperation in Parliament, describing Parliament as both a representative institution and a high-security zone that has historically faced security threats.
He said the security department performs its responsibilities while balancing security requirements with the needs and amenities of members, and called upon members to cooperate in maintaining the security of the institution. He described the Parliament building as a magnificent structure and a modern temple of democracy carrying the essence of India’s ancient culture.
He said that senior member Arun Singh had introduced members to the nuances of the Budget and emphasised the need for Parliament to scrutinise the Budget meticulously. He urged members to familiarise themselves with budgetary terminology and procedures. He also referred to the session conducted by Dr Sasmit Patra on the significance of Starred and Unstarred Questions in ensuring government accountability, while noting that disruption of Question Hour deprives Members of an important parliamentary privilege.
He further stated that experienced officials of the secretariat had provided a step-by-step overview of the legislative process. Dr John Brittas had demonstrated the effective use of parliamentary devices available under the Rules through practical examples.
Parliamentary diplomacy, Harivansh said, is an important dimension of parliamentary responsibility, and Members must remain aware of international developments and geopolitical issues.
He highlighted India’s participation in several international parliamentary organisations, including the IPU, CPA, P20, CSPOC, BRICS and other parliamentary forums, as well as bilateral exchanges with friendly nations.
Harivansh said that Ghanshyam Tiwari had introduced members to the concept of parliamentary diplomacy, while Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni had explained the role of Department-related Parliamentary Committees.
Describing these committees as “Mini Parliaments,” he said they provide opportunities for direct interaction with departmental officials, subject experts and representatives of non-governmental organisations, besides enabling detailed examination of departmental budgets, annual reports, performance and legislation referred to committees.
He emphasised that committee reports constitute an important source of authentic information and should be utilised effectively by members.
Highlighting the impact of the technological revolution on parliamentary functioning, Harivansh said that large-scale digitisation had made the House increasingly paperless and efficient, and that all members are provided with digital devices.
He stressed that these devices must be protected from cyber-attacks and unauthorised access, describing login credentials as assets of the House whose security is the responsibility of every Member.
He noted that technology experts had briefed members on digital security in Parliament and emerging technologies in governance, and asserted that Parliament can lead the nation through the technological revolution only when Members themselves are well-versed in technology.
Harivansh emphasised that members’ learning does not end with the Orientation Programme and described the programme as only the beginning of a continuous process of self-improvement.
He encouraged members to study past parliamentary procedures, read notable debates, watch recordings of distinguished parliamentarians such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Arun Jaitley and Chandrashekhar, and observe parliamentary traditions in other countries.
In the end, Harivansh expressed confidence in the newly elected Members and said that they would contribute to the prestige of the House and emerge as effective public representatives during their tenure. He extended his heartfelt best wishes for a successful term.
