New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has reconstituted the panel of vice-chairpersons of the upper house of Parliament, with an important emphasis on gender representation. As of July 17, 2023, the panel now comprises equal numbers of men and women, a significant step towards achieving gender balance in the legislative body.
The House members were formally informed of the reconstitution, with the new vice-chairpersons appointed by Chairman Dhankhar. The individuals holding these positions are esteemed members of the Rajya Sabha, including P. T Usha, S. Phangnon Konyak, Fauzia Khan, Sulata Deo, V. Vijaysai Reddy, Ghanshyam Tiwari, L. Hanumanthaiah, and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray.
Chairman Dhankhar proudly announced, “Members will be happy to note that 50 percent of vice chairpersons happen to be women,” underscoring the importance of women’s participation in leadership roles.
According to Rajya Sabha rules, ‘The chairman shall, from time to time, nominate from amongst the members of the Council a panel of not more than six vice-chairmen, one of whom may preside over the Council in the absence of the chairman and the deputy chairman when so requested by the chairman, or in his absence, by the deputy chairman.’ Each vice chairperson’s term will last until a new panel is nominated, as per the rules.
In addition to this development, Chairman Dhankhar shared that he has received and accepted a letter of resignation from Luizinho Faleiro, a Rajya Sabha member representing West Bengal. The resignation, dated April 11, 2023, has been officially accepted, leaving a vacant seat in the upper house.
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