Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh delivered the valedictory speech at the conclusion of the two-day orientation workshop 'Prarambh' for newly-elected members of the Rajya Sabha on July 26, 2026. The workshop was designed to familiarize members with parliamentary rules, procedures, conventions, and traditions to enable effective participation in the House.
The program included distinct sessions covering various aspects of parliamentary functioning. Senior members and officials provided presentations on parliamentary practices using real-life examples, while the Secretary-General briefed members on the organization of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and available facilities. Officials were described as possessing immense institutional memory and being ready to assist members with courtesy and professionalism.
Security cooperation was emphasized as Parliament represents both a representative institution and high-security zone that has historically faced security threats. The Security Department was noted for balancing security requirements with member amenities while maintaining institutional security.
The workshop covered budget scrutiny procedures introduced by Shri Arun Singh, who emphasized the need for meticulous budget examination and familiarization with budgetary terminology. Dr. Sasmit Patra conducted a session on the significance of Starred and Unstarred Questions in ensuring government accountability, noting that disruption of Question Hour deprives members of important parliamentary privileges.
Experienced officials provided a step-by-step overview of the legislative process, while Dr. John Brittas demonstrated effective use of parliamentary devices available under Rules through practical examples. Parliamentary diplomacy was highlighted as an important dimension of parliamentary responsibility, with India participating in international parliamentary organizations including IPU, CPA, P20, CSPOC, BRICS, and other parliamentary forums, plus bilateral exchanges with friendly nations.
Shri Ghanshyam Tiwari introduced members to parliamentary diplomacy concepts, while Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni explained the role of Department-related Parliamentary Committees. These committees were described as 'Mini Parliaments' that enable direct interaction with departmental officials, subject experts, and NGO representatives, plus detailed examination of departmental budgets, annual reports, performance, and legislation.
The technological revolution's impact on parliamentary functioning was highlighted, with large-scale digitization making the House increasingly paperless and efficient. All members are provided with digital devices that require protection from cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, with login credentials described as assets of the House whose security is every member's responsibility. Technology experts briefed members on digital security in Parliament and emerging technologies in governance.
Members were encouraged to view the orientation program as the beginning of a continuous process of self-improvement, including studying past parliamentary procedures, reading notable debates, watching recordings of distinguished parliamentarians like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Arun Jaitley, and Chandrashekhar, and observing parliamentary traditions in other countries. The Deputy Chairman expressed confidence that new members would contribute to the House's prestige and emerge as effective public representatives during their tenure.