Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday, 20 July called upon members across party lines to uphold the dignity, discipline, and decorum of the Upper House and to channel their differences into meaningful deliberation rather than disruption. His remarks came at the start of the 271st Session of the Rajya Sabha — the Monsoon Session 2025 — in New Delhi.

Chairman's Opening Address

In his opening remarks, Radhakrishnan acknowledged that divergence of opinion is fundamental to parliamentary democracy, but stressed that such differences must be expressed in ways that preserve the sanctity of the institution. 'Disruptions should not be allowed to undermine its functioning,' he said.

He also underscored the weight of the session's agenda. 'This session has an important legislative and deliberative agenda. I urge members to remain focused on the timely disposal of business, as every disruption delays discussion on matters affecting the nation and the people we represent,' the Chairman said.

19 Sittings, Collective Responsibility

Radhakrishnan reminded members that 19 sittings lie ahead, describing their utilisation as a collective responsibility. 'I am confident this session will uphold that legacy. We have 19 sittings before us, and it is our collective responsibility to utilise this valuable time to debate and decide on issues of national importance,' he said. The remarks signal a clear intent to run a productive session, even as political tensions between the treasury and opposition benches remain elevated.

AI-Powered Simultaneous Interpretation Introduced

In a significant technological step for parliamentary accessibility, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat has introduced live AI-based simultaneous interpretation of proceedings in nine languages through multimedia devices installed at members' seats. Radhakrishnan said the facility will be gradually expanded to cover all 22 scheduled languages of India and invited members to share feedback for further refinement. This marks one of the most substantive digital upgrades to the Upper House's infrastructure in recent years.

New Members Sworn In

The first day of the session also saw the Chairman administer the oath of office and secrecy to a batch of newly elected Rajya Sabha members, who entered the House following the recently concluded biennial elections.

Among those sworn in were Congress leaders Pawan Khera, Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, and Prakash Chik Baraik from West Bengal. Mahesh Kevat from Madhya Pradesh, Dr Mukeshbhai J. Rathwa from Gujarat, and Dr Satish Poonia from Rajasthan also took the oath before Radhakrishnan.

With new members inducted and an ambitious legislative calendar ahead, the Monsoon Session's tone — whether productive or fractious — will be set in the coming days.