Lok Sabha Adjourns Sine Die After Introducing 14 Bills

The 18th Lok Sabha session concluded on August 21, 2023, as Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House sine die. This session was marked by a mixture of legislative activity and significant disruptions, primarily driven by the Opposition’s protests concerning the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, where Assembly elections are set for November.

Despite the introduction of 14 bills and the passage of 12, including the Income Tax Bill and the National Sports Governance Bill, Speaker Birla expressed disappointment over the session’s proceedings. In his closing remarks, he criticized the use of placards and slogans by certain members, which he deemed inappropriate and detrimental to parliamentary decorum.

During the final hours of the session, Speaker Birla emphasized that the conduct of the members was under scrutiny by the public. He stated, “Our conduct is being watched by the entire nation,” and urged all representatives to respect the dignity of the House. The Speaker pointed out that the House had allocated 120 hours for discussions, but only 37 hours were utilized due to ongoing disruptions.

The session also saw the submission of 419 starred questions, of which only 55 received responses. This lack of engagement prompted Speaker Birla to declare, “This is not just a procedural failure. It is a breach of public trust.” He reiterated that citizens expect accountability from their representatives, not mere slogans.

A notable aspect of the session was the focus on national security, highlighted by a discussion on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to recent terror attacks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in this discussion, underscoring the government’s commitment to national defense. Additionally, the House celebrated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey, marking India’s return to the International Space Station, which Speaker Birla hailed as a significant achievement.

Despite these highlights, persistent protests from the Opposition led to frequent walkouts and interruptions, with members chanting slogans such as “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod.” Speaker Birla’s appeals for order were largely ignored, leaving the session characterized by turmoil rather than constructive debate.

As the session concluded, Speaker Birla thanked Prime Minister Modi and other members who contributed positively. He emphasized the need for future sessions to recommit to the principles of deliberation and democratic responsibility. With the Monsoon session now behind, the focus shifts to the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, where the integrity and effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings will be closely observed by the electorate.

This session has highlighted both the potential for legislative progress and the challenges posed by political discord, leaving a lasting impact on the functioning of the Lok Sabha.