Deputy Chairman Harivansh Concludes 'Prarambh' Workshop, Highlights Digital Leap and Ongoing Learning for New Rajya Sabha MPs

On Sunday, Deputy Chairman Harivansh stood before a room buzzing with fresh faces – the newly‑elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha – and offered a closing address that felt part lecture, part pep talk.

He started by pointing out a quiet but powerful transformation: the House is turning increasingly paper‑less thanks to large‑scale digitisation. "Our work is now more efficient, but that also means each of you has a digital device that is a priceless asset," he said, pausing to let the gravity of the statement sink in.

The two‑day "Prarambh" programme, he explained, was meticulously crafted to walk newcomers through the labyrinth of rules, procedures, conventions and the venerable traditions that give the Upper House its character. Senior members and secretariat officials shared real‑world examples, making the sometimes‑dry procedural language feel almost tangible.

Security, too, earned a slice of the conversation. Harivansh reminded everyone that Parliament is not just a symbolic democratic temple but also a high‑security zone that has, in the past, faced genuine threats. The security department strives to strike a balance – safeguarding the building while respecting the comfort and needs of its members. Cooperation, he urged, is essential.

Budgetary matters weren’t left out. Arun Singh’s session on the nuances of the Budget was highlighted, with Harivansh urging MPs to get comfortable with budget terminology and to scrutinise every line item. He also praised Dr. Sasmit Patra’s deep‑dive into Starred and Unstarred Questions, noting that a vibrant Question Hour is a cornerstone of parliamentary accountability.

Parliamentary diplomacy featured prominently. From the Inter‑Parliamentary Union to BRICS and bilateral exchanges, Harivansh emphasized that MPs should stay alert to global developments and leverage international forums for India’s benefit. Ghanshyam Tiwari, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni each shed light on the pivotal role of departmental committees – the “mini‑parliaments” that allow detailed scrutiny of budgets, reports and legislation.

Technology, he warned, comes with responsibility. While the House now enjoys the perks of digital tools, safeguarding against cyber‑attacks is every member’s duty. Login credentials, he stressed, are not just passwords – they are the House’s digital keys.

Wrapping up, Harivansh reminded the audience that the orientation is merely the first step. He encouraged them to revisit past debates, watch recordings of stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Arun Jaitley and Chandrashekhar, and even observe parliamentary practices abroad. Continuous learning, he said, is the true hallmark of an effective parliamentarian.

In short, the message was clear: embrace technology, respect security, scrutinise the budget, engage in diplomacy, and never stop learning.