In view of the Budget Session of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu held a meeting of leaders of all parties in the Upper House today. The meeting was held to seek support of the political parties to ensure smooth conduct of business in the Rajya Sabha.

 
Mr Naidu made a fervent appeal to leaders of various parties and groups in the House to ensure effective functioning of the House. In response, the leaders assured that there will be full participation in all the debates and discussions in the House. The meeting was attended by half a dozen ministers and 25 leaders of various parties.

 
It was decided that instead of the scheduled sitting on the 15th of February as the last of the first part of the Budget session, the House will sit on the 13th before adjourning to enable the Department Related Parliamentary Committees to examine Demands for Grants of various departments and ministries.

 
Further to leaders seeking more time for discussing the Motion of Thanks to the President and the General Budget, the Rajya Sabha Chairman asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and others concerned to rework the time schedule. Mr Naidu observed that these two discussions offer ample opportunities to the members to reflect on a wide range of issues for which more time may be allocated.
 

Regarding time management in the House, Mr Naidu observed that ministers should learn the art of speaking in brief and to the point both while moving the Bills for consideration and replying at the end of debates so that members get more time to speak.