MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1994 

I have great pleasure to extend my hearty welcome to the newly elected and re-elected Members of the Rajya Sabha who have taken oath or made affirmation under the Constitution this morning

We have held this simple pleasant ceremony in the intercession period in order to enable the members to participate in the working of the Standing Committees of Parliament. As you know, these Standing Committees are an important innovation made to enable the Members to participate significantly in the discussions on the policies and programmes of the Government, to make an impact on Governmental policies and also to ensure the accountability of the Government to Parliament. Therefore, we thought that it would be important for the Members, newly elected or re-elected, to participate in the functioning of Parliamentary Committees during this period. I am sure that with your experience you will make important contributions to the discussions in these Committees. Some of you are new faces who will bring a fresh approach to the problems and to the world of Parliament. Some are veterans who will bring to bear upon discussions in Parliament and in the Committees their immense experience and wisdom. Of course, you have taken the oath or made the affirmation not merely for participating in the Parliamentary Standing committees, but to participate in the working of Rajya Sabha as a whole.

I believe that, as the House of elders, Rajya Sabha has a very special contribution to make to the functioning of the Government. It is a forum which can educate public opinion, which can also influence the government. Having observed the working of Parliament from outside for a long time, and from inside, I feel that even a single speech made in Parliament, particularly in this House of Elders, can make an impact of Government and on the nation if the speech is made with good reasoning, in a balanced manner, marshaling all facts and arguments. I think that is the special function of Rajya Sabha itself. More than any other thing that you may do in this House, it would be such speeches, well-studied speeches, balanced and reasonably argued and powerfully argued, that can influence Government and influence public opinion in this country. You have today embarked upon this very important task. I want to congratulate you once again and wish you every success in this new great task awaiting you all. Thank you. (ends)

Thank you.