First part of Budget Session ends, 10 bills cleared

The first part of the Budget Session of Parliament came to end on Wednesday evening, with both the Houses adjourned till 11 a.m on April 25.

The first part of the session turned out to be a very productive.

The lower house worked 123 percent of the scheduled time, while productivity of the Rajya Sabha has been 103 percent.

Both the House deliberated on issues relating to women and most of the female MPs were given time to participate on International Women Day. There were quality debates on Motion of Thanks on President's Address, Real Estate Bill and General and Railway Budgets. Disruptions of proceedings came down substantially during the period.

As many as 10 bills were passed by Parliament during the first part of the session, which began on February 23 of last month, with the Lok Sabha passing nine bills whereas the Rajya Sabha approving 11.

The important bills which got Parliament's nod included Real Estate Regulation and Development Bill, Aadhar Bill and Election Laws Amendment Bill. Besides, Rajya Sabha took up two Calling Attention Motions and Lok Sabha one.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu termed the first part of the budget session as most significant and rewarding on several counts.

Naidu said Rajya Sabha witnessed rare occasion when the opposition and treasury benches gave credit to each other for introducing and piloting the Real Estate Bill.

By passing the Aadhar and the Real Estate Bill, Parliament has enabled the beginning of a new era of transparent governance in the country.