First part of budget session ends

The first part of the budget session of Parliament came to a close last night. Both the Houses were adjourned to meet on 25th of next month. The Rajya Sabha sat till late in the night to complete discussion and General Budget and returned the Appropriation Bill for 2016-17 to Lok Sabha.

The first part of the session turned out to be a very productive. Lok Sabha worked 123 per cent of the scheduled time while productivity of Rajya Sabha was 103 per cent. Both houses deliberated on issues relating to women and most of the female MPs were given time to participate on International Women's 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.

Ten bills were passed by Parliament during the first part of the session which began on 23rd of last month. Lok Sabha passed nine bills whereas Rajya Sabha approved 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. Mr 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.