Expressing concern about repeated “disturbances” in the Rajya Sabha Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday expressed hope that dignity and decorum would be restored to the House of Elders under the guidance of the new Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari.

Greeting him on his taking over as the 12th Vice President Dr Singh said Ansari’s experience as a diplomat, as Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University and  as Chairman of the Minorities Commission would help him discharge his functions effectively as Rajya Sabha Chairman.

Leader of the Opposition in Upper House Jaswant Singh, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI MP D Raja, BJP member Najma Heptullah  and other leaders greeted Mr Ansari and assured him of full cooperation in conducting the proceedings of the House.

“In the recent years, we have witnessed with profound concern and sadness repeated disruptions of proceedings and a regrettable unwillingness on occasions to engage in informed discussion.

“I hope all of this can be put behind and we can restore to this House a sense of dignity and decorum that is expected from the House of Elders,” the Prime Minister said.

“I am sure with your wide-ranging experience you will be able to provide guidance and balance to proceedings of the House,” the Prime Minister told the Chairman.

“I stand here to assure you the sincere cooperation of our Government and constituents of the UPA. All of us must work together to ensure that this House echoes the heartbeat of Indians and lives up to their expectations,” he further said.

Oppn assurance
Speaking on the occasion, Jaswant Singh, Leader of the Opposition in the House, assured full cooperation to Ansari in running the House.

On the Prime Minister’s observations on disruptions in the House, he said those who were earlier in the Opposition had also resorted to interruptions when the BJP-led NDA was in power.

“For the Government to have its way, the Opposition must have its say,” he said.

The Opposition should not be prevented from having its say, he said amidst protest from treasury benches.
Thanking the members Mr Ansari said the challenge lies in the need to ensure equitable distribution of the fruits of development and also to seek justice through substantive equality and meaningful fraternity.