Deputy Chairman Harivansh Wraps Up ‘Prarambh’ Workshop for Fresh Rajya Sabha MPs

On Sunday, the two‑day orientation programme – fittingly named “Prarambh” – drew to a close with Deputy Chairman Harivansh delivering a spirited valedictory address. The workshop, designed especially for freshly‑elected and nominated Rajya Sabha members, was meant to be more than a formality; it was a deep‑dive into the house’s rules, traditions and, increasingly, its digital heartbeat.

Harivansh began by congratulating the newcomers for their active participation. “You’ve asked questions, you’ve listened, and you’ve begun to feel the pulse of the Upper House,” he said, his tone a mix of commendation and gentle encouragement. He noted that the programme’s sessions – ranging from the Rules of Procedure to the nitty‑gritty of the Secretariat’s operations – were deliberately structured to give MPs a solid footing, and he believed most had walked away with a clearer picture of how the Rajya Sabha ticks.

One of the recurring themes was digitisation. The Deputy Chairman praised the “large‑scale digitisation” that has turned the once paper‑laden chambers into a largely paper‑free, efficient environment. Every member now gets a digital device, but with that convenience comes responsibility. “Your login credentials are not just passwords; they’re assets of the House,” Harivansh warned, reminding the MPs that cyber‑security is a collective duty.

Security, too, featured prominently. He reminded everyone that Parliament is both a symbol of democratic representation and a high‑security zone that has faced threats over the years. The Security Department, he explained, constantly balances the need for safety with the day‑to‑day comfort of members. He urged the new MPs to cooperate fully, noting that a secure Parliament is a functional Parliament.

The workshop also tackled the intricacies of the Budget. Senior member Arun Singh led a session that broke down budgetary terminology and the importance of meticulous scrutiny. Harivansh emphasized that a well‑informed MP can ask sharper questions and hold the government accountable more effectively.

Speaking of accountability, Dr Sasmit Patra’s session on Starred and Unstarred Questions resonated strongly. “Disrupting Question Hour strips us of a vital parliamentary privilege,” Harivansh said, underscoring how such questions keep the executive honest. He also highlighted Dr John Brittas’s demonstration of parliamentary devices – the often‑overlooked tools that, when used correctly, can streamline legislative work.

Parliamentary diplomacy earned its own spotlight. Harivansh reminded members that India’s voice reverberates through a host of international parliamentary bodies – the Inter‑Parliamentary Union, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, P‑20, CSPOC, BRICS, and many bilateral forums. Ghanshyam Tiwari introduced the concept, while Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni explained the role of departmental committees, which Harivansh likened to “mini‑parliaments” where detailed scrutiny happens.

Those committees, he argued, are treasure troves of authentic information. “Read the reports, ask the right questions, and you’ll find the real pulse of policy,” he advised, urging MPs to treat committee work not as a chore but as a chance to engage directly with officials, experts and civil‑society voices.

Technology, beyond just devices, featured in a briefing on emerging digital tools for governance. The Deputy Chairman insisted that for Parliament to lead the nation’s tech revolution, its members must first be comfortable with the tech themselves. “We can’t just sit on the sidelines while the world moves forward,” he said, a hint of urgency in his voice.

In closing, Harivansh made it clear that “Prarambh” is just that – a beginning. He urged the new MPs to keep learning: revisit historic debates, watch recordings of stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Arun Jaitley and Chandrashekhar, and even look at how other democracies operate. “The more you absorb, the better you serve,” he concluded, leaving the hall with a sense of purpose and a gentle reminder that the journey of a parliamentarian is a lifelong one.