Elders concerned over bypassing of Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI, MARCH 9: Members cutting across party lines on Tuesday expressed concern over the government's growing tendencies at bypassing...

NEW DELHI, MARCH 9: Members cutting across party lines on Tuesday expressed concern over the government8217;s growing tendencies at bypassing the Upper House of Parliament by not bringing before it some crucial legislations and important issues for debate.

The discussion was launched by Pranab Mukherjee Cong who alleged that it appeared to be an effort at undermining the authority of the Rajya Sabha. He asked the government why it did not bring the Prasar Bharati Bill before the House and why burning issues like the dismissal of Naval chief P N Bhagwat was not allowed to be discussed in the House.

Mukherjee and several other members repeatedly asked the government about the fate of the Prasar Bharti Bill, which had earlier been passed by the Lok Sabha.

Mukherjee said the members were feeling anguished over this. He said that no legislation had been held in the Rajya Sabha because of lack of majority for the ruling coalition. He said the government had faced similar situations of inadequate support inRajya Sabha earlier too but at no time the Rajya Sabha was ignored. Mukherjee said the members were keen to cooperate with the government.

Gurdas Dasgupta of the CPIM said the government was facing important issues like sacking of naval chief and sacking of advisor to the finance minister in the Rajya Sabha while a debate on the issue was on in the media. 8220;Things can be discussed in newspapers and we are told that sensitive issues cannot be discussed in the House.8221;

Najma Heptullah, deputy chairperson instructed the government to ensure that even impression that the Upper House was being ignored should not gain ground and all the fears of the members should be dispelled at the earliest.

Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha however said the government was ready to discuss all issues provided these were listed in the business. However, Pramod Mahajan, Minister of Broadcasting and Information evaded a direct reply to the members8217; question as to why the tabling of the Prasar Bharati Bill in the Rajya Sabhawas being unduly delayed.