Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan conducts proceedings in the House during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on August 13, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Sansad TV
Rajya Sabha Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday (August 13, 2026) expressed “deep concern” over disruptions that “derailed” the business of the House during the Monsoon Session.
As he adjourned the House sine die, he urged the members to uphold the dignity of the august House and discharge their parliamentary responsibilities in the highest traditions of Indian democracy.
Parliament Monsoon Session – key highlights
During the Monsoon Session that started on July 20, Mr. Radhakrishnan highlighted that 12 Bills were either passed or returned even as the productivity was only 39% because of disruptions.
“As the 271st Session of the Rajya Sabha draws to a close, I reflect on its proceedings with a deep concern. It is a matter of regret that the Session was marked by persistent disorder and frequent disruptions, which repeatedly derailed the business of the House,” the Chairman said.
The loss of precious working hours also deprived the House of meaningful discussion and debate on matters of national importance, he added.
The Upper House saw several disruptions and adjournments as Opposition parties were protesting on several issues, including police action on students protesting against NEET paper leak and alleged theft of donations at Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Despite the disruptions, Mr. Radhakrishnan noted that the House managed to fulfil its core legislative duties by considering, passing or returning 12 Bills.
“Things would certainly have been different if we had collectively participated, contributed our valuable inputs and engaged in meaningful deliberations,” he observed.
Elaborating on the performance, the Chairman said the House functioned for only 37 hours and 49 minutes, recording a productivity of 39.17%
As many as 285 Starred Questions were raised while there were 380 Zero Hour submissions and 380 Special Mentions. Only 16 Questions, 52 Zero Hour Submissions and 93 Special Mentions could be taken up.
Mr. Radhakrishnan rued that members did not make the fullest use of the opportunities to raise the voice of the people.
“As the House of Elders, this august Chamber has a unique responsibility to uphold reasoned debate, dignified dissent and thoughtful legislation. Repeated disruptions ultimately affect the trust and aspirations of the people. We must therefore strive to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary conduct and preserve the dignity and sanctity of this institution,” he said.
The Chairman informed that an orientation programme was organised for the newly elected and nominated Members. The two-day programme provided valuable insights into parliamentary practice, procedure and the standards of conduct expected of Members.
As many as 35 Members attended the programme.
“I hope that when we meet again, we shall do so with a renewed resolve to uphold the dignity of this august House and discharge our parliamentary responsibilities in the highest traditions of our democracy, thereby strengthening our democratic institutions and our democracy at all times,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
Published – August 13, 2026 02:17 pm IST
