In a groundbreaking decision, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, has selected four women Parliamentarians to serve as Vice-Chairpersons on the panel. This historic move marks a significant step towards promoting gender inclusivity and representation in the parliamentary leadership.
In a historic move, Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar reconstitutes the panel of Vice-Chairpersons with 50% women Parliamentarians.
All four women Parliamentarians nominated are first time members. #RajyaSabha #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/dVGjEFmY33
— Vice President of India (@VPIndia) July 20, 2023
It is important to highlight that the women members chosen for the panel are all serving their first term as Parliamentarians. Notably, Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak holds a remarkable distinction as the first woman from Nagaland ever to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Prior to the Monsoon Session, the panel was reconstituted and now comprises a total of eight members, with half of them being women. This marks a momentous occasion in the history of the Upper House, as it is the first time that women members have been granted equal representation in the panel of Vice-Chairpersons.
In a noteworthy advancement, the Rajya Sabha Chair has transitioned to a fully digital approach. The Chair will now utilise electronic tablets for various aspects related to the House’s functioning, including matters pertaining to conducting business, maintaining attendance records, tracking details of Members speaking, and other relevant information. Here are the particulars of the women Members selected for the panel of Vice-Chairpersons:
Smt. P.T. Usha
A distinguished athlete and recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in July 2022. Within her role as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, she actively serves on various committees, including the Committee on Defence, the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Committee on Ethics.
Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak
A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, she holds significant distinctions within the realm of politics. In April 2022, she made history by becoming the first woman elected as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from Nagaland. She also holds the honour of being only the second woman from the state to be elected to either the Parliament or the State Assembly.
As an active and engaged parliamentarian, Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak serves on multiple committees, including the Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, the Committee on Empowerment of Women, and the House Committee. She is also a valued member of the Governing Council of the North-Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong.
Dr. Fauzia Khan
A member of the Nationalist Congress Party, she earned her seat in the Rajya Sabha through the April 2020 elections. In her role as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Fauzia Khan actively participates in various committees, including the Committee on Empowerment of Women, the Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Smt. Sulata Deo
A member of the Biju Janata Dal, she secured her position in the Rajya Sabha through the July 2022 elections. As an active parliamentarian, she serves on several committees, including the Committee on Industry, the Committee on Empowerment of Women, the Joint Committee on Office of Profit, the Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
(With inputs from PIB)
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