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First Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When India's Rajya Sabha held its first meeting
On May 13, 1952, the first Rajya Sabha meeting occurred in Delhi's old Council Chamber of Parliament House. Dr S Radhakrishnan was elected as the first Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. On this day in 1989, thousands of Chinese students launched a hunger strike in Beijing's Tiananmen Square during the pro-democracy protests read more The Council of States' first session began with a Presidential address to both the Upper and Lower Houses, a tradition that endures annually. Representational image One of the most important days in the history of India is May 13. It was on this day in 1952 that the newly constituted Council of States sat together for the first time. This 'Second Chamber' of the Parliament of India, was later named the Rajya Sabha in 1954. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1989, thousands of Chinese students launched a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, marking a critical escalation in the pro-democracy protests that had gripped China for weeks. Here are some of the events that took place across the world. First Rajya Sabha meeting It was on May 13, 1952 that the newly formed Council of States sat for the first time in the Parliament. It came to be known as the 'Second Chamber' of the Parliament of India which was later named Rajya Sabha. Following the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, the need for a bicameral legislature was formalised to ensure a more balanced and representative form of governance. The Rajya Sabha was envisioned as a body that would provide a forum for sober and considered debate, acting as a check on hasty legislation from the directly elected Lok Sabha. The inaugural session was held in the old Council Chamber of Parliament House in New Delhi. Dr S Radhakrishnan, who would later become India's second President, was elected as the first Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, in his capacity as Vice President of India. In his address, Dr Radhakrishnan emphasised the importance of high moral standards, reasoned debate and the role of the Rajya Sabha in representing the states and union territories fairly. The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament. Representational image At the time of its inauguration, the Rajya Sabha had 216 members, including 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to literature, science, art and social service. The remaining members were elected by the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories. The Council of States' first session began with a Presidential address to both the Upper and Lower Houses, a tradition that endures annually and after every general election. However, in contrast to modern parliamentary sessions, this address was not followed by a Motion of Thanks, and a Question Hour session, now a regular occurrence, did not take place. The Upper House of the Parliament of India is presently structured with a capacity of 250 members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thousands of Chinese students began a hunger strike on Tiananmen Square On this day in 1989, thousands of Chinese students launched a hunger strike in Beijing's Tiananmen Square marking a critical escalation in the pro-democracy protests that had gripped China for weeks. The movement, initially sparked by the death of reform-minded leader Hu Yaobang, had grown rapidly as a result of frustrations over corruption, lack of political freedoms and calls for government accountability. As a peaceful and symbolic act, a hunger strike was initiated by university students with the objective of compelling the Chinese leadership to engage in dialogue and respond to their demands, which centred on freedom of the press, greater transparency and democratic reforms. The students, identifiable by their white headbands and banners, proclaimed their dedication to nonviolence and patriotism, despite the growing physical risks they faced in the extreme heat of Beijing. Tiananmen Square is filled with thousands during a pro-democracy rally in Beijing, China on May 17, 1989. File image/AP By mid-May, the square was densely populated with tens of thousands of supporters, students and observers. The timing of the hunger strike was deliberately chosen to coincide with a scheduled state visit by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, marking the first such visit since the 1960s. Recognising the presence of international media covering the summit, the students hoped that global attention would serve to amplify their message and exert pressure on the Chinese government to issue a positive response. The hunger strike, while serving to galvanize public support for the demonstrators, concurrently established the conditions for the subsequent military suppression. The initial appeal for reform, spearheaded by students, would tragically culminate in the Tiananmen Square massacre in less than a month's time, specifically on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese People's Liberation Army violently suppressed the burgeoning pro-democracy movement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year On this day in 1981, Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt in St Peter's Square, Vatican Square. British politician Winston Churchill faced the House of Commons for the first time in 1940. The US declaration of war on Mexico was approved in 1846.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MHA's mock drill & civil defence, it all started in 1941 with a Nagpur man
Nagpur: As MHA's Wednesday mock drill for civil defence preparedness becomes a buzzword across India, very few know that it all started with a Nagpur man way back in 1941. That year, as World War-II raged, a debate in the UK Parliament on July 22 led to a question being asked on what was the govt's plan to associate its colony – India – more "closely with the war effort". Lord H Snell replied that in India they will create a new portfolio called 'Civil Defence' and a Nagpur resident, E Raghavendra Rao , was named its Rao, a barrister trained in England, passed away a year later in 1942, he had by then already laid a strong foundation for Civil Defence in India , something which Wednesday's mock drill is a testimony in 1889, Rao was a well-known public figure with his career reaching its peak in 1936, when he was appointed Governor of Central Provinces (CP), which had Nagpur as capital. In 1937, under the new constitution, he was appointed chief minister of CP & Rao's grandfather hailed from what is now Andhra Pradesh, the family settled in Nagpur and built a thriving business. Born in an affluent family in 1889, Rao completed his education in Nagpur, then at Allahabad (Prayagraj) and finally taking over as the first chief of the civil defence portfolio, Rao's challenge was to introduce the alien concept to the people. While talking about this in 1941 on All India Radio (AIR), Rao said "What is 'civil defence' for which we must prepare? It covers all those preparations to meet the threat of air raids, repair damage they cause, which are not the concern of the armed forces. It is a passive defence, as distinguished from the active defence of the Army, Navy and Air Force."What MHA's Wednesday mock drill will showcase to the world, Rao had laid the ground rules over 80 years ago. Explaining civil defence further, Rao said "It includes arrangements for warning the public of an air raid, reporting fall of bombs, rescuing people from wrecked buildings, tending to the wounded, providing shelter and food for those who have been rendered homeless by enemy action."The entire last year of his life, Rao dedicated it to strengthening the base for civil defence. This contribution was acknowledged in the Council of States, as noted in a British govt document dated September 29, 1942. The Council was informed that Rao "was in charge of the portfolio of civil defence and in spite (sic) of his weak health, attended all meetings of the Council of States, and did his work to the satisfaction of all. His untimely death has cut short a brilliant career. His loss is all the greater at this period of India's history". The fact that India's only civil defence college is located in Nagpur, is probably the best tribute to Rao.
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
In defence of free speech in Parliament
During the recently-concluded budget session of parliament, a lighthearted repartee about who, how and in what order of precedence members get the right to address the House brought up a substantive issue. For when MPs speak in parliament, they articulate the views of millions of their constituents, often on critical issues. To speak is to breathe. So, what are the privileges of an MP provided for in the Constitution? Where does the power to frame the rules and procedures for conducting business in both Houses of parliament flow from? How did the office of the chairperson of the Council of States and the speaker of the House get created? What are the powers, privileges and immunities that the Constitution bestows on these august offices? Article 93 creates the offices of the speaker and deputy speaker by election, while Article 64 provides that the vice president would be the ex-officio chairperson of the Council of States. Articles 89 to 97 about the officers of parliament and the procedure to appoint and remove them.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi Assembly building to host museum, feature documentary in heritage conservation effort
New Delhi The Delhi Assembly Secretariat is planning to construct a museum, hold a light show and feature a documentary to chronicle the 113-year-old legacy of the Delhi Legislative Assembly building as part of heritage conservation efforts, officials familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Speaker Vijender Gupta convened a meeting on the day with experts and officials to initiate the comprehensive conservation plan for the building, which has served as the seat of Imperial Legislative Council that later became the Central Legislative Assembly, the first Parliament of India, officials said. Speaker Gupta said that as part of the heritage initiative, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has been asked to submit its feasibility report within three weeks. 'A conservation committee will be constituted to oversee the project's progress,' Gupta said. Designed by E Montague Thomas to hold the Imperial Legislative Council, the iconic white crescent-shaped building was constructed in 1912. The chamber was originally built for the meeting of the Imperial Legislative Council, which was reconstituted under the Morley-Minto Act of 1909 and had been functioning since 1910 in Calcutta. The Imperial Legislative Council was later substituted by two Houses, namely, the Central Legislative Assembly and the Council of States, which was constituted under the Montagu-Chelmsford Act of 1919. The meetings of the Central Legislative Assembly and the joint sessions of the two Houses were held in the council chamber, while the Metcalfe House was the venue of the meetings of the Council of States. The building also housed the secretariat of the Government of India. The temporary secretariat building was constructed in 1912 and it functioned as the secretariat for another decade, before the offices shifted to the present secretariat building on Raisina Hill. Gupta said that the meeting on Tuesday was aimed at formulating a road map to elevate the building as a site of national heritage importance. 'There is also the need to preserve traditional architectural skills and techniques employed in its original construction, thereby honouring the craftsmanship of earlier generations. The ultimate goal is to transform the Assembly premises into a destination of historical and cultural eminence, capable of attracting dignitaries, delegates, and visitors from across the globe,' he said. 'Experts shared their perspectives on preserving the integrity of the original structure while enhancing the experience for visitors and stakeholders alike,' he said.
