RS established probity in public life: Shekhawat

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) Rajya Sabha Chairman Bhairon Singh Sekhawat today expressed satisfaction at the House having been able to establish through its actions that probity in public life was the foundation of Indian democracy.

''It is only through the highest standards of ethical behaviour that members can truly enhance the credibility of Parliament as the nation's highest legislature,'' Chairman Shekhawat observed in Valedictory Remarks at the close of the Budget Session of Parliament.

In this regard, he recalled that the Ethics Committee of the House -- probing involvement of two Rajya Sabha members in 'Operation Chakravyuh' shown on a private channel -- had recommended in February last expulsion of a member and referral of the complaint of another to the Privileges Committee for further examination.

The House on March 21 last unanimously adopted the Committee recommendations, the Chairman noted with satisfaction.

Besides, the session was very important from the point of view of the legislative and other business transacted. In all, 30 bills were considered and passed or returned -- several of far-reaching socio- economic importance providing much needed impetus to improving policy formulation and public governance, said Chairman Shekhawat.

Echoing his sentiments, Prime Minister -- and Leader of the House -- Manmohan Singh noted that the Budget Session had been ''very purposeful''.

He also welcomed the re-election as Deputy Chairman of his party colleague K Rahman Khan who was returned to the House for a fresh six-year term last month.

Leader of the Opposition Jaswant Singh pointed to some Members having to resign their seats -- as in the case of Ms Jaya Bachchan on the Office of Profit issue -- and this creating ''some ill-will''.

He further regretted that there was a tendency on the part of the Treasury members to treat opposition as ''inconvenient''.

UNI SD/DG RL BD1813