New Delhi, Aug. 13: The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded on Thursday with the passage of 12 Bills, but concerns over repeated disruptions and limited legislative debate overshadowed the session, as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the outcome as successful in terms of lawmaking but unsatisfactory in terms of parliamentary productivity.
Addressing the media after both Houses were adjourned sine die, Rijiju said the session should be assessed from two perspectives. While Parliament completed significant legislative business by passing 12 Bills, he said the quality of debate and discussion fell short of expectations.
According to the minister, the Lok Sabha recorded only 19 per cent productivity against its total scheduled working time, while the Rajya Sabha achieved 39 per cent productivity. He attributed the reduced functioning of both Houses to repeated disruptions and occasional walkouts by Opposition parties.
Rijiju said the Lok Sabha held debate on only one Bill during the session, the legislation concerning the prevention of unfair means in public examinations. He noted that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was passed by both Houses after discussion and deliberation.
The session also drew attention from political observers and constitutional experts, many of whom expressed concern over the passage of several important legislations without debate. Some Members of Parliament also raised concerns regarding the implications of passing key Bills without detailed discussion.
Holding the Opposition responsible for the repeated adjournments, Rijiju alleged that disruptions prevented Parliament from functioning effectively. He said the government remained prepared to engage in discussions and respond to issues raised by members but claimed the Opposition avoided participating in debates.
The minister acknowledged that the Monsoon Session did not meet public expectations. He maintained that frequent interruptions and disruptions prevented meaningful parliamentary proceedings and affected the overall functioning of both Houses.
Rijiju further said it was the first time he had witnessed an Opposition that, according to him, was reluctant to participate in debates despite the government’s willingness to answer questions. He described such a situation as unhealthy for parliamentary democracy.
He also stated that ministers were prepared to respond during discussions, but Opposition members neither participated in debates nor remained present to hear the government’s replies.
Commenting on the Congress, Rijiju said he felt sorry for several of its Members of Parliament, particularly newly elected MPs, who, according to him, lost opportunities to participate in debates because of disruptions. He also criticised the party’s conduct during the session, alleging that its members focused on slogan shouting and protests instead of parliamentary discussion.
The minister expressed hope that parliamentary proceedings would function more smoothly when both Houses reconvene for the Winter Session.
