Oppn set to protest proposed changes in Rajya Sabha's rules of procedure

The opposition in the Rajya Sabha is set to protest a slew of changes proposed to the existing ‘Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business’ of the Upper House.

The opposition believes the proposed changes will muzzle its voice and rob the Rajya Sabha, which is the voice of the states, of its uniqueness.

Some of the changes proposed include the power to remove the deputy chairman mid-term, stricter punishments for MPs disrupting the House, including disallowing them from voting on motions and bills, and reducing time allotted for discussions under rule 267, which provides for discussing matters of urgent public importance