Monsoon session productive, Rajya Sabha scenes unfortunate: Om Birla

New Delhi : Lok Sabha speaker expressed his gratitude to the ministers of ruling party and opposition parties for productive monsoon session and regretted the chaotic scene at Rajya Sabha after the farm bill was passed.

"It was unfortunate," Birla said when asked about protests by the Opposition during the last two days of the session. Referring to the practice of either House not commenting on the proceedings of the other, he said: "Efforts should be made to strengthen democratic institutions further."

"The dignity of the House and its chair was an important aspect of the parliamentary system. All members have a duty to respect it," he added.

Om Birla made the remarks while addressing the media after conclusion of the monsoon session.

The session, which began on September 14, was scheduled to end on October 1. It ended on September 23, cut short by the pandemic. Three MPs and a minister died of Covid-19, and several people on the premises tested positive.