With former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s term as Rajya Sabha MP ending after nearly three decades, the Upper House of Parliament on Friday put on record its appreciation of the contribution made by the renowned economist.
On the first day of the maiden Session of Parliament under Modi 2.0 Government, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu mentioned that Singh was a member of Rajya Sabha for five consecutive terms from 1991 to 2019 and has the distinction of holding the coveted post of Prime Minister for two consecutive terms.
“The House will certainly miss the presence of these two members, who have through their significant contributions, enhanced the dignity and prestige of this august House,” he said.
Naidu said Singh, along with another member Santisue Kujur, retired on June 15 after completion of their terms of office. Both Singh and Kujur were MP from Assam from the Congress party.
“A very gentle, calm and composed personality, Dr Manmohan Singh through his participation in the debates of the House has contributed immensely in enriching the collective wisdom of the House on various issues, particularly, economic matters pertaining to the welfare and development of the nation. This House will miss an able parliamentarian and an experienced and renowned economist,” Naidu said.
“I place on record my heartfelt appreciation for the significant contribution and service rendered by both these Members to parliamentary democracy and to society at large,” Naidu said. “I wish them good health, happiness and long fruitful years of service to the nation. The House shall ever cherish their association.”
Earlier, the House mourned the death of former Goa Chief Minister and former Rajya Sabha member Manohar Parrikar and nine other former members — KA RA Subbian, Virendra Kataria, Drupad Borgohain, Devi Prasad Singh, Chaudhary Munvvar Saleem, Vasanthi Stanley, Vishwanatha Menon, Rajnath Singh ‘Surya’ and S Sivasubramanian.
The House also mourned the death of 50 people, including five Indians, in a terrorist attack on mosques in New Zealand and killing of 250 persons, including 10 Indians, in suicide bombings in churches and hotels in Colombo.