**Executive Summary**
On April 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to congratulate Shri Harivansh on his historic election to an unprecedented third consecutive term as Deputy Chairman. The address highlighted Shri Harivansh's transition from journalism to parliamentary leadership, his disciplined conduct, and his exemplary utilization of development funds. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of this leadership in strengthening democratic institutions and inspiring the nation's youth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Historic Re-election and Background**
* Shri Harivansh has been elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term, reflecting the House's trust in his experience and inclusive work style.
* The commencement of this term coincided with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, with whom Shri Harivansh had a close professional association.
* The Prime Minister noted Shri Harivansh’s transition from a distinguished journalism career, where he focused on high standards and impactful writing, to his current legislative role.
**Parliamentary Conduct and Mentorship**
* Shri Harivansh is recognized for his exemplary punctuality and maintains a full-time presence in the House, even when not presiding over sessions.
* During his journalism career, he authored a column series titled 'Hamara Sansad Kaisa Ho,' providing deep insights into parliamentary dignity and responsibilities.
* The Prime Minister recommended that new Members of Parliament from both Houses look to Shri Harivansh as a model for conduct and professional discipline.
**Utilization of MPLADS Funds**
* The Deputy Chairman’s use of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund was cited as a model for long-term impact.
* Specific projects established include a center for endangered Indian languages at IIT Patna and a Center for Earthquake Engineering.
* Other funded initiatives include a River Study Center at Aryabhatta Knowledge University, a Business Incubation and Innovation Center, and an Artificial Intelligence Center at Magadh University.
**Institutional and Global Contributions**
* Shri Harivansh collaborated closely with the Prime Minister during the construction of the new Parliament building, specifically regarding the naming of chambers and galleries.
* He plays an active role in training and capacity building for State Legislative Assemblies, Legislative Councils, and their Presiding Officers.
* His work with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has been credited with strengthening the global impression of India’s democratic system.
**Impact Analysis**
**Shri Harivansh (Deputy Chairman)**
**Impact**
He begins an unprecedented third term with the formal endorsement of the House and the Prime Minister for his "dignified work style" and "inclusive approach."
**Action Required**
Continue to oversee Rajya Sabha proceedings and uphold the responsibilities of the Presiding Officer during the 21st century's second quarter.
**New Members of Parliament**
**Impact**
Identified as the primary beneficiaries of Shri Harivansh’s expertise in parliamentary conduct and dignity.
**Action Required**
Study the Deputy Chairman’s insights and writings, such as 'Hamara Sansad Kaisa Ho,' to improve their own conduct and understanding of parliamentary responsibilities.
**State Legislative Assemblies and Councils**
**Impact**
They receive institutional support and professional development through initiatives led by the Deputy Chairman.
**Action Required**
Participate in training and capacity-building programs facilitated by the Deputy Chairman’s office to strengthen regional legislative functions.
**Educational and Research Institutions (IIT Patna, Magadh University, etc.)**
**Impact**
Beneficiaries of targeted MPLADS funding for specialized research and innovation centers.
**Action Required**
Maintain and utilize the established centers for their intended research in areas such as AI, endangered languages, and earthquake engineering.
Key Entities Referenced
Shri Harivansh: The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, recognized for his unprecedented third consecutive term and his contributions to parliamentary conduct and journalism.
Rajya Sabha: The Upper House of India's Parliament, which serves as the primary setting for the address and the election of the Deputy Chairman.
MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme): A government scheme highlighted for its exemplary utilization in funding research centers for languages, engineering, and rural development.
Viksit Bharat: A national vision and initiative for a developed India, used as a framework for inspiring youth and public engagement programs.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association: An international organization where the Deputy Chairman has been active in promoting India's democratic system globally.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the
Rajya Sabha
PM Congratulates Shri Harivansh on Historic Third Term as
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
Posted On: 17 APR 2026 2:05PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the Rajya Sabha and extended heartfelt
congratulations to Shri Harivansh on his election as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for an
unprecedented third consecutive term. Highlighting this historic achievement, the Prime Minister
remarked that this reflects the House's deep trust in Shri Harivansh and the valuable experience he has
brought to the institution. "Being elected for the third consecutive term is a stamp of approval from the
House on his experience, his inclusive approach, and his dignified work style," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister noted the special significance of April 17, coinciding with the birth anniversary of
former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. Drawing attention to Shri Harivansh's close association with
Chandra Shekhar Ji, PM Modi observed that the Deputy Chairman had worked as his companion
throughout his political journey and authored books on his life. "Beginning your third term on Chandra
Shekhar Ji's birth anniversary makes this occasion particularly meaningful," affirmed Shri Modi.
Recalling Shri Harivansh's distinguished career in journalism, the Prime Minister praised his commitment
to high standards and impactful writing. The Prime Minister shared that even during his tenure in Gujarat,
he regularly read Shri Harivansh's articles, which reflected deep study and firm conviction. "His writing
had sharp edges, but his speech and conduct always remained gentle and courteous," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister highlighted Shri Harivansh's pioneering work through his column series titled
'Hamara Sansad Kaisa Ho' (What Should Our Parliament Member Be Like) during his journalism days.
Emphasizing the value of this experience, PM Modi suggested that new Members of Parliament from both
Houses could learn immensely from Shri Harivansh's insights on parliamentary conduct, dignity, and
responsibilities. "Perhaps he never knew then that he himself would one day occupy this chair, but his
writings covered the subject with remarkable depth," stated Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister commended Shri Harivansh's exemplary punctuality, disciplined life, and seriousness
towards duties as key factors behind his universally accepted personality. He noted that since becoming a
Rajya Sabha member, Shri Harivansh has maintained full-time presence in the House, attending sessions
even when not presiding. "This reflects his deep commitment to his responsibilities and sets an example
for all of us," observed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister drew attention to Shri Harivansh's remarkable public engagement beyond
parliamentary duties, particularly his work with youth. Sharing impressive statistics, He revealed that
since assuming office as Deputy Chairman in 2018, Shri Harivansh has conducted over 350 programs incolleges and universities across the country. "This represents an extraordinary commitment to connecting
with young people, preparing topics, and inspiring them with the vision of Viksit Bharat," emphasized
Shri Modi.
Appreciating the Deputy Chairman's focus on building confidence among students, the Prime Minister
noted that Shri Harivansh uses historical references to explain why India couldn't progress at the desired
pace earlier and what opportunities now exist for the nation to make a great leap forward. PM Modi also
mentioned Shri Harivansh's active participation in literature festivals across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities,
influencing and inspiring diverse sections of society.
The Prime Minister shared an interesting anecdote from Shri Harivansh's first visit to America in 1994.
According to PM Modi, when asked what he wanted to see in that developed country, Shri Harivansh
expressed his desire to visit universities to understand what kind of education and culture enabled such
progress. "He spent his entire discretionary time during that trip studying American universities, reflecting
his deep commitment to educational excellence for a developed India," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister highlighted Shri Harivansh's exemplary utilization of the MPLADS (Members of
Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) fund as a model for other parliamentarians. The Prime
Minister detailed various study and research centers established by the Deputy Chairman, including a
center for endangered Indian languages at IIT Patna, a Center for Earthquake Engineering considering the
seismic vulnerability of Bihar's regions, and a River Study Center at Aryabhatta Knowledge University in
Patna to address erosion problems. "He has demonstrated how MPLADS funds can be utilized in a
focused direction for long-term impact," asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister also mentioned other initiatives funded by Shri Harivansh, including a Business
Incubation and Innovation Center at Chandragupt Institute of Management and an Artificial Intelligence
Center at Magadh University. Appreciating the Deputy Chairman's continued connection with his village
roots despite urban relocation, Shri Modi said, "Harivansh Ji remains deeply connected to his village and
continuously contributes to the joys and sorrows of his community."
Sharing his personal experience of working with Shri Harivansh during the construction of the new
Parliament building, the Prime Minister expressed how valuable his collaboration had been. PM Modi
recalled how Shri Harivansh would perfect ideas for naming ceremonies, identifying chambers, art
galleries, and various gates within two days of discussion. "Working together during the Parliament's
construction was an extremely enjoyable and productive experience," remarked Shri Modi.
Acknowledging Shri Harivansh's efforts in assisting State Legislative Assemblies, Legislative Councils,
and their Presiding Officers through training and capacity building, the Prime Minister also praised his
active role in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in creating a strong impression of India's
democratic system globally. Shri Modi concluded by expressing confidence in the crucial role of the
House during the second quarter of the 21st century and emphasising the significant responsibility of the
Presiding Officers.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha. https://t.co/0MhP3145LO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2026
****
MJPS/PRK
(Release ID: 2252918) Visitor Counter : 381
Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , ही , Manipuri , Bengali , Assamese , Gujarati , Odia , Kannada , Malayalam