Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh delivers valedictory address at 'Prarambh' orientation workshop for newly-elected members

📌 Summary:

• Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh delivered the valedictory address at 'Prarambh', a two-day orientation workshop for newly-elected and nominated Rajya Sabha members (26 July 2026)
• The programme was designed to familiarize members with the rules, procedures, conventions and traditions of the House so they can play an effective role
• Highlighted large-scale digitization making the House increasingly paperless; all members provided with digital devices
• Sessions explained the Rules of Procedure and the functioning of the Secretariat through factual, real-life examples
• Described Parliament as both a representative institution and a high-security zone; urged members to cooperate on security
• Senior member Arun Singh briefed members on Budget scrutiny and budgetary terminology; stressed meticulous parliamentary scrutiny of the Budget
• Dr. Sasmit Patra's session covered Starred and Unstarred Questions in ensuring government accountability; noted disruption of Question Hour deprives members of an important privilege
• Emphasised that learning is a continuous process of self-improvement beyond the orientation

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — Parliament, its functioning, procedures, committees and accountability mechanisms.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• 'Prarambh' — orientation programme for newly-elected/nominated Rajya Sabha members, conducted by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat
• Valedictory address delivered by Deputy Chairman Harivansh
• Starred Questions require an oral answer (supplementaries allowed); Unstarred Questions receive written answers

🔑 Key Term: Starred vs Unstarred Questions — starred questions seek oral answers with supplementaries; unstarred questions receive written answers without supplementaries.