Rajya Sabha sets the clock for MPs
PTI, March 02, 2010

The new device, a ‘time clock’, would show names of the members participating in the debate and discussion of Bills, their party affiliation, division numbers and also the time taken by them.

A ‘time clock’ will be put into operation for the first time in the Rajya Sabha from Wednesday, to ensure maximum business in the minimum possible time.

The electronic board is the latest innovative practice being adopted by the Upper House for better time management, Rajya Sabha Secretary General V.K. Agnihotri said.

The new device would be operational when the House takes up discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address to the joint sitting tomorrow, he said.

It would show names of the members participating in the debate and discussion of Bills, their party affiliation, division numbers and also the time taken by them.

The display board would indicate the total time allotted to different parties including the members coming under ‘nominated’ and ‘others’ categories, and the time taken by different speakers whose names have been sponsored by their parties or those who are participating in a particular debate.

“The display board will indicate the time consumed by members individually as also by their political parties in case of Short Duration Discussion and discussion on Bills,” Mr. Agnihotri said.

With regards to Calling Attention and discussion on Private Members’ Bills, the time consumed by the participating members would be indicated individually on the display board.

The innovative ideas have been thought of by Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari whose endeavour to restrict the submissions during Zero Hour within three minutes has been effective and widely welcomed.

Mr. Ansari last year streamlined the proceedings during Zero Hour by restricting members to raise their mentions only for three minutes, after which the microphone will go off automatically.

In order to put Question Hour to maximum use, the Rajya Sabha Rules Committee had recently amended the rules under which even if the mover of the question was absent, it would be taken up.

This news can also be viewed at: http://beta.thehindu.com/