Read the following statement of the former chairman of the Rajya Sabha, M. Venkaiah Naidu given in 2021: "...the productivity of Rajya Sabha during 2004-14 has been about 78% and it declined to about 65% since then. Of the 11 sessions [that he presided over], four of them clocked low productivity of 6.80%, 27.30%, 28.90% and 29.55%; during the year 2018, the Rajya Sabha recorded the lowest ever productivity of 35.75% under the impact of disruptions." What conclusions can you draw from this statement? What implications does this have for the role that the Rajya Sabha is expected to play?
The statement reveals a concerning decline in Rajya Sabha productivity from 78% (2004-14) to 65% thereafter, with some sessions recording extremely low productivity (as low as 6.80%).
As the Council of States representing federal interests, reduced productivity means state concerns may not be adequately addressed in national legislation.
The Rajya Sabha's role in reviewing and improving bills passed by the Lok Sabha is compromised. Less time for meaningful debate reduces the quality of laws.
The Rajya Sabha's function as a check on hasty legislation is weakened. Disruptions prevent the House from fulfilling its constitutional mandate of representing states and ensuring thoughtful lawmaking.
The declining productivity undermines the very purpose of having a bicameral legislature.
Explanation
The chapter discusses challenges to effective functioning of legislatures, including disruptions of the Question Hour and reduced quality of debates. The Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States, was created in the spirit of federalism to ensure that states have a voice in national legislation. Declining productivity due to disruptions prevents it from fulfilling this constitutional role.
Solution Steps
Decline in Rajya Sabha productivity from 78% (2004-14) to 65% thereafter, with some sessions as low as 6.80%
Reduced productivity means state concerns may not be adequately addressed in national legislation
Role in reviewing and improving Lok Sabha bills is compromised
Less time for meaningful debate reduces the quality of laws
Function as a check on hasty legislation is weakened
Disruptions prevent fulfilling constitutional mandate of representing states
Declining productivity undermines the purpose of bicameral legislature