INAUGURAL FUNCTION TO CELEBRATE THE 200TH SESSION OF RAJYA SABHA DECEMBER 11, 2003.
Mahamahim Rashtrapati ji,
Hon’ble Prime Minister,
Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha,
Hon’ble Deputy Chairperson,
Hon’ble Members of Parliament,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Namaskar, Good Evening.
I welcome you all on this historic occasion when the Rajya Sabha is in its 200th Session. This is a landmark milestone in our journey on the path of parliamentary democracy. It is an occasion that gives us a sense of legitimate pride.
We are justifiably proud of our democracy. It is the story of the success of democracy in a populated nation which has demonstrated to the world how complex problems can successfully be addressed within constitutional and democratic framework. We pay our tributes to the Members of Parliament who have all these years assiduously nurtured and strengthened the roots of our democracy and made continuous efforts towards promoting the welfare of our people. Outlining the core functioning of democracy, Mahatma Gandhi had said, “True democracy is what promotes welfare of the people”. The success of democracy is, therefore, to be measured by the extent of welfare it promotes for our citizens.
Our Constitution has provided a unique role to Rajya Sabha. It is the permanent House of the Parliament of India which is Union of States. This House, therefore, very appropriately provides representation to the States and is described as Council of States. Rajya Sabha had its First Session on 13th May, 1952. In a span of over fifty years, Rajya Sabha has had 4408 sittings, passed 3203 Government Bills, considered 238 Private Members’ Bills till the last Session. This has meant significant contribution by Hon’ble Members in critically evaluating legislative proposals, facilitating reasoned and dignified debates, and highlighting political consciousness. Indeed, Rajya Sabha has all through been a lively and sagacious body. It should continue to function with even greater vigour and distinction towards fulfilling the aspirations of the present and future generations.
Rajya Sabha, as House of Elders, needs to be an alert and vigilant watchdog on the affairs of the Nations and also function as a guide to the Union as also the States. Building up consensus on approach of action on major issues is critical to strengthening the roots of democracy. In respect of key issues of national importance before the Parliament, decision should be based not just on the basis of relative strength of political parties. I recall that once while rejecting an amendment moved by C. Rajagopalachari, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru had said, “You see Rajaji, the majority is with me”. Rajaji retorted, “Yes, Jawaharlal, the majority is with you but the logic is with me”. Pt. Nehru laughed with the House and accepted Rajaji’s amendment. Hon’ble Members, through free and frank but serious discussion and constructive debate, we can, rising above party lines, evolve a share approach of action on each of the key issues, make constructive suggestions and recommendations for appropriate legislative and executive actions towards achieving the objective of growth of economy, improving public governance and enlarging public welfare.
People’s faith in democracy rests upon the confidence of the common man in the capacity, credibility and effectiveness of the system of governance. The concept and obligation of good governance is also enshrined in our Constitution in the form of Directive Principles of State Policy. Effective and good governance in democracy is central and indispensable for the Nation’s development.
We are today faced with the challenges of economic growth and public governance. It is unfortunate that about 26 crore of our citizens still await freedom from hunger, disease and insecurity. Besides poverty alleviation, there are the challenges of population stabilisation, electoral reforms, speedy justice, and hassle and corruption-free administration to the common man. There are threats to national security as also to the bonds of national integration. We face the challenges of speeding up integrated and balance development as also of weaving a stronger secular fabric and build up an environment of peace and social harmony conducive to growth and progress.
Hon’ble Members, Parliamentary institutions, being the fulcrum of our democracy, have to give the lead, set right standards, and be the role model for the State Legislatures, Zila Parishads and other elected local bodies. Let us again remind ourselves of the pious and noble resolutions we made while celebrating the fifty years of our independence and gain while celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our Republic. We need ‘determination’
and ‘will’ to act on those in good faith to fulfill the vision of making India a fully developed Nation by 2020. In this onerous task, we need to make wholehearted efforts to serve the people with dedication and commitment. I am absolutely sanguine that God will bless our sincere and honest endeavours with success in full measure
Today, we are privileged to felicitate and honour at the hands of Mahamahim Rashtrapati ji those distinguished Members who hold the record of having attended more than 100 Sessions of Rajya Sabha. My greetings to all of them. Our special felicitations are due to Pranab Babu who is a veteran with a score of 108 Sessions not out. We offer our best wishes to him for scoring the double century. Today is also his birthday; we wish him many happy returns of the day. I also greet Dr. Najma Heptulla who is being honoured as the longest serving Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.
I once again extend a hearty welcome to Mahamahim Rashtrapati ji, Hon’ble Pradhan Mantri ji, Hon’ble Speakere and all the Hon’ble Members of Parliament for your august presence here today.
Thank you, Jai Hind.