Rajya Sabha clocks 119 pc productivity with historic 17-hour sitting

IANS April 4, 2025 297 views

The Rajya Sabha has achieved a remarkable milestone by logging an unprecedented 119% productivity during a historic 17-hour continuous sitting. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar celebrated the session's extraordinary achievements, highlighting extensive debates and legislative progress across multiple critical national issues. The marathon session saw participation from 73 members discussing the President's Address and 89 members deliberating on the Union Budget. This unprecedented legislative marathon demonstrates India's robust democratic processes and commitment to meaningful parliamentary engagement.

"The Rajya Sabha etched its name in the annals of history" - Jagdeep Dhankhar, Rajya Sabha Chairman
Rajya Sabha clocks 119 pc productivity with historic 17-hour sitting
New Delhi, April 4: The 267th session of the Rajya Sabha recorded an unprecedented productivity of 119 per cent, marking a historic milestone in India’s parliamentary proceedings.

Key Points

1

Record-breaking 17-hour sitting highlights intense legislative proceedings

2

49 Private Members' Bills introduced during marathon session

3

Union Budget and President's Address debated extensively

4

Waqf Amendment Bill passed with significant reforms

Despite frequent disruptions and differences between the treasury benches and the opposition, the House set a new record for the longest sitting, convening from 11 a.m. on April 3 to 4.02 a.m. on April 4.

The session saw the introduction of 49 Private Members' Bills, underscoring the legislative activity during this period. The House adjourned sine die on Friday.

Reflecting on the session, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted the significance of the debates. "The House engaged in an insightful discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, spanning three days with active participation from 73 Members. Similarly, deliberations on the Union Budget 2025-26 lasted over three days, drawing contributions from 89 Members," he noted.

The Rajya Sabha also held substantive discussions on four key ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah responding to the debate.

Chairman Dhankhar emphasized the historic nature of the April 3-4 sitting, calling it a defining moment in legislative history. "The Rajya Sabha etched its name in the annals of history with an unprecedented 17-hour sitting. During this marathon session, the House passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, a transformative law aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in Waqf property management while modernizing legacy systems," he stated.

Overall, the House functioned for a total of 159 hours, surpassing usual productivity benchmarks.

Chairman Dhankhar noted that beyond legislative achievements, this session was exemplified by engaging debates, sharp wit, humour, and cross-party collaboration, reinforcing democratic traditions. "The discourse was enriched with enlightened inputs and diverse opinions, ensuring parliamentary decorum and legislative rigor," he remarked.

He further stated that the session stands as a defining moment in India's parliamentary history, demonstrating how dialogue, perseverance, and shared purpose can lead to meaningful governance.

With its record-breaking sitting and legislative achievements, this session has set a new benchmark for parliamentary productivity and democratic engagement, he said.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Wow, 17 hours straight! That's some serious dedication from our lawmakers. The Waqf Bill amendment sounds like a much-needed reform too. Hope this productivity continues! 👏
R
Rahul S.
While the productivity numbers are impressive, I wonder how much of this was actual debate vs just pushing through legislation. Would love to see more details on the quality of discussions.
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Anjali M.
This makes me proud of our democracy! 159 hours of work and 49 bills introduced is no small feat. Kudos to all the members for putting in those long hours for the nation 🇮🇳
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Sanjay P.
Marathon sessions are good, but we need to ensure our lawmakers aren't just working long hours but working smart. Quality over quantity should be the real measure of productivity.
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Neha T.
The mention of cross-party collaboration is heartening! In these polarized times, it's refreshing to hear about politicians working together for the greater good. More of this please!
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Vikram J.
119% productivity is impressive, but let's not forget the frequent disruptions mentioned. Would be interesting to know what percentage of time was lost to those before the marathon session.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Productivity Jagdeep Dhankhar Indian Legislature Legislative Reform Amit Shah
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