Modi asks youth to question RS MPs over lack of House productivity

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday took a dig at the Opposition over the Rajya Sabha's lack of productivity and said it is a matter of concern. Addressing the "National Youth Parliament Festival", he told youngsters to question the members of the Rajya Sabha, where opposition parties have a numerical advantage over his government, of their respective states, asserting it will lead to nationwide pressure on them. 

Modi said the productivity of the outgoing 16th Lok Sabha, where the government enjoys a big majority, was 85 per cent (20 per cent more than the previous Lok Sabha) and it passed 205 bills, as he credited the development to the full majority voters gave to the BJP in the 2014 general elections. He expressed concern over only 8 per cent productivity of the Rajya Sabha in the last session where the interim budget was passed. 

After giving away the National Youth Parliament Festival, 2019, awards, Modi asked youngsters to organise events upon returning home and invite Rajya Sabha members from their states as chief guests and ask questions. The prime minister advised the participants to visit the country's National War Memorial adjoining the iconic India Gate complex, inaugurated by him on Monday, and the National Police Memorial in central Delhi. 

Modi expressed hope that the National Youth Parliament Festival platform would provide direction and shape to the energy of the youth and a better dialogue process. He said that such events would aid those aspiring to become Parliamentarians. Next time, those who want to reach Parliament will think of attending the youth parliament and also mention it in their profile, Modi said a on lighter note. 

He said the festival represents the image of a New India and asked the youth to connect with the vision of New India. He added that the youth of the country should be prepared to play a bigger role for the development of the nation and the society Asserting that the youth today is full of new ideas, energy, ambition and ready for multitasking, he referred to the 10 per cent quota given to the general category poor in education sector and jobs to stress on his government's attempt to give youths equal opportunities to realise their potential and dreams.