Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other union cabinet ministers conducted a warm and cordial interaction with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Wayanad on Friday as the winter session of the parliament came to a close. Participants in the discussion were PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Priyanka Gandhi, and Cabinet Ministers K Ram Mohan Naidu and Chirag Paswan, among others. MPs are believed to tell the Prime Minister that they had a productive session but could have continued a little longer because meetings and approvals are not best done during the later hours of the night. Sessions commenced on the 1st of Dec.
PM Modi and Priyanka Gandhi Light Moments
Remarkably PM Modi and Priyanka Gandhi had a cordial discussion on Wayanad. At one point, Priyanka Gandhi said that she takes one type of herb, which is only available in Wayanad, and it reduces her allergies.
Moving to a lighter note, it was noticed that the session was considerably shorter as the Opposition was protesting bills such as VB-G RAM-G continuously. PM Modi jokingly added that he did not want to strain their vocal chords.
PM Modi also appreciated the input of members like NK Premachandran, saying that they always come well-prepared for discussion. PM Modi also talked about his recent foreign travel, including a visit to the Ethiopian capital, and said that although people believed that the city is not well maintained, he was surprised at its development and maintenance. According to him, the Ethiopian capital could challenge other modern cities like those of Jordan and even Dubai.
Winter Session of Parliament Concludes
Both Houses of the Parliament have been adjourned sine die, thus marking the end of the Winter Session. During the course of the Winter Session, the Parliament has been able to pass the Sustainable Harnessing & Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill & the VB-G RAM-G Bill, which aims at substituting the 20-year-old MGNREGA scheme amidst protests in the House.
The Rajya Sabha cleared the VB-G RAM-G bill through a voice vote when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Members of the opposition raised concerns about removing the name of Mahatma Gandhi from the existing scheme and the financial implications of this new scheme.
Issues that were part of this session include debates on 150 years of Vande Mataram and election reforms. A Bill regarding the regulation for higher education was referred to a joint committee consisting of representatives from both houses.
Parliamentary Productivity and Engagement
Speaker Om Birla commented that the Lok Sabha held a productivity index of 111 percent during the session, which clearly depicted the coordination and unity that allowed for fruitful discussions on the legislature. At the Rajya Sabha, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan thanked the members for making him the chairman, terming the session fruitful.
Eight legislative business were proposed through the Rajya Sabha, consisting of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, which was moved by 212 members. A record high of 59 Private Members’ Bills were tabled. The next sitting of the parliament is likely to happen in early 2026, when the Budget session will take place.
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