The Winter Session of Parliament began on Monday. The Session will have 20 sittings. It will end on the 13th of next month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, Parliament should witness quality debates and open discussions.

Addressing media ahead of the Winter Session, Mr Modi said that what makes the session special is that it is the last one in 2019 and is the 250th Rajya Sabha session. Mr. Modi said, in the past few days, he had the opportunity to meet leaders of almost all political parties.

The Prime Minister said, the last session was phenomenal due to the support and active participation of all MPs. Mr. Modi said, everyone should contribute to enrich the discussions in Parliament.

Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, it is incumbent upon the government to run the House smoothly.

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a special discussion in the Rajya Sabha, marking the 250th session of the upper House of Parliament, said India’s unity in diversity is very beautifully reflected in the House.

Speaking on the role of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian Polity and need for reforms, the Prime Minister said the framers of the Constitution envisioned a bicameral legislative framework, and this vision has enriched the country’s democracy.

Mr Modi said the Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to those away from electoral politics to contribute to the nation and its development.

He stated that it was through the Rajya Sabha that a stalwart like Dr. BR Ambedkar could contribute even more to national progress.

He said the Constitution inspires everyone to work for a welfare State and also motivates to work for the welfare of States. He added that the Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States, enables Parliamentarians to further the spirit of cooperative federalism.

Mr Modi said the Rajya Sabha has passed several historic bills related to triple talaq, reservation to the economically weaker section of the general category, Goods and Services Tax and abrogation of Article 370.

The Prime Minister said Rajya Sabha is a second House, not a secondary house, and for the development of India, it must remain a supportive House. Stressing on maintaining a balance between national vision and regional interest, Mr Modi said Rajya Sabha members should prefer dialogue over the obstruction to highlight people’s issues.

Participating in the discussion, former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said the Rajya Sabha has a central role in check and balance to a majority government, in the Rajya Sabha, and protect the interests of the States.

He said no legislation should be passed in a hurry, and the House must get enough time to scrutinize bills thoroughly.

In apparent remarks at the government over its decisions on Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Singh said the upper house must get enough importance in the matter related to restructuring the boundaries of States and dropping crucial articles.

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy of TMC also participated in the debate, highlighting the importance of the Rajya Sabha.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu observed that Parliament has played a significant role in the socio-economic transformation of the country. He said the Rajya Sabha has completed 67 years of the journey since its first sitting in May, 1952.

Mr Naidu appealed to the members to take part in the debate and come out with effective suggestions for better functioning of the House.