Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Parliament was adjourned sine die on Saturday, with the extended threeday sitting of the Budget session ending on a disappointing note for govt as its ambitious legislative push for the rollout of women’s reservation from 2029 along with a 50% rise in Lok Sabha seats was defeated by a united opposition. The session concluded with a rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with, in what was a first, all six stanzas of the national song being played following a govt mandate that it should be sung or played at official functions, public events and in school assemblies. Little business was transacted in Rajya Sabha during the three days except for the oath-taking of newly elected MPs, as the Constitution (131st amendment) bill fell through in Lok Sabha. In his concluding remarks, Speaker Om Birla said 31 sittings were held during the session that lasted around 151 hours and 42 minutes. The productivity of the House stood at 93%. The customary tea hosted by him saw a good turnout from opposition MPs.
