Parliament Monsoon Session Ends Amid Disruptions; Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die

New Delhi, Aug 13: The Monsoon Session of Parliament ended on Thursday with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha being adjourned sine die amid repeated Opposition protests, political confrontations and disruptions over issues ranging from police action against agitating students to alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The session, which began on July 20, witnessed frequent adjournments even as Parliament passed 12 Bills. Opposition protests inside and outside the Houses limited debate and discussion on several issues.

As soon as the Lok Sabha met on Thursday, all six stanzas of the national song were played, following which Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House sine die. Birla did not deliver the customary valedictory address highlighting the House’s performance and productivity during the session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present when the House met briefly. Opposition members raised slogans against the government before the adjournment.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the session was successful in terms of legislative business but fell short on debate and discussion. He said 12 Bills were passed, while productivity remained low due to repeated disruptions.

According to Rijiju, the Lok Sabha recorded 19 per cent productivity against the total allotted time, while the Rajya Sabha recorded 39 per cent.

The session initially witnessed Opposition protests over the NEET paper leak issue and alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Opposition later shifted its focus to police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar on July 20 over accountability in the education system and concerns surrounding the NEET paper leak.

The Speaker repeatedly urged Opposition members to participate in debates, but persistent protests resulted in frequent adjournments.

On Wednesday, Shah said he was ready to debate the students’ issue and respond to every query raised by the Opposition. He also urged the Speaker to allocate time, in consultation with Opposition parties, for a discussion on the matter.

Rijiju said only one Bill in the Lok Sabha, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act dealing with paper leaks and unfair means in examinations, underwent a full discussion. The legislation was also discussed in the Rajya Sabha.

“This is not healthy for parliamentary democracy,” Rijiju said, attributing the low productivity largely to Opposition disruptions while maintaining that the government was ready to answer questions raised by MPs. (Agencies)