Parliament Winter Session concludes productively; Rajya Sabha at 121%, Lok Sabha 111%

Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday, drawing curtains on the 19-day-long Winter Session of Parliament. During the brief session with 15 sittings, key Bills were passed, including the one to open up the civil nuclear sector for private companies. Another Bill to replace the MNREGA with a new law – the VB-G RAM G Bill – assuring 125 days of guaranteed jobs for rural India was passed amid opposition protests on Thursday, including tearing of papers. The House also took up two debates – on 150 years of Vande Matram and election reforms – which witnessed a politically charged atmosphere. A Bill to set up a higher education regulator was referred to a joint committee of the two Houses. Another Bill on the market securities code was introduced and referred to a department-related standing committee for further examination. As soon as the House met for the day, Speaker Om Birla adjourned Lok Sabha sine die (for an indefinite period). The House saw productivity of 111 per cent during the session, Birla said.