New Delhi, April 12 (IANS): The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Wednesday with Chairman Hamid Ansari expressing satisfaction at the transaction of "substantial legislative business" during the Budget Session.
Ansari particularly appreciated the members from the last two benches who raised 86 out of a total of 205 Zero Hour submissions, which is approximately 42 per cent.
"The participation of the members occupying the last two rows in using these devices has been remarkable. Out of a total of 205 Zero Hour submissions, they raised 86, which is approximately 42 per cent," Ansari said.
"They asked about 260 supplementary questions, which is about 48 per cent of the total supplementaries asked," he added.
The house had 29 sittings, during which it deliberated for more than 136 hours.
The session began with the address of the President to a joint sitting of both the houses of Parliament on January 31, and witnessed transaction of substantial legislative business.
"In all, the house either passed or returned 14 government Bills which generated lively debates. The Union Budget 2017-18, and the working of the Ministry of Railways and GST Bills were discussed at length," Ansari noted.
"Members' zeal to raise matters of urgent public importance with concern and passion is manifested in 205 Zero Hour submissions and 76 Special Mentions they made and in the 435 Starred Questions with more than 535 supplementaries and 4,629 Unstarred Questions raised by them," Ansari observed.
Private members introduced 33 Bills during the session. Many important issues such as relating to electoral reforms and Aadhaar cards saw animated debates in the form of Short Duration Discussions.
"While a new member elected in a bye-election from West Bengal joined the house, we lost one esteemed sitting member, Haji Abdul Salam, who passed away on February 28," Ansari said.
"I take this opportunity to thank Leader of the House, Leader of Opposition, ministers of Parliamentary Affairs, the leaders of various parties and groups and the members for the cooperation extended by them in the overall functioning of the house. The house stands adjourned sine die," the Chairman said.