'Aam admi' concerns agitate first timers in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) The three first-time members of the Rajya Sabha today vowed to highlight issues, agitating the 'aam aadmi" during the monsoon session of Parliament commencing on August 10.

Women empowerment, strengthening of the federal polity, social justice are also high on the agenda of Ms Kanimozhi (DMK), Mr Tiruchi Siva (DMK) and Mr D Raja (CPI) who were administered the oath as members by Rajya Sabha acting chairman Rahman Khan at a brief ceremony.

Incidentally all the three MPs come from Tamil Nadu.

Soon after taking the oath, they expressed earnest desire to contribute their bit to the content of the debate and standards in the House of Elders.

Mr Raja said during the brief 15 minutes oath-taking ceremony Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted each of the new entrants to the Upper House. Dr Singh also presented a shawl to each of them.

Dr Singh, while greeting the CPI leader told him that he was happy to have him in the House of Elders. " Mr Raja,it is a great pleasure to have you in the Rajya Sabha," he said.

Besides Dr Singh, DMK chief M Karunanidhi, Parlimentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi, Union Minister Suresh Pachouri, several MPs and MLAs attended the ceremony.

On his priorties in the House of Elders, Mr Raja said in the given situation it is necessary not only to ensure the inclusive growth but also to strengthen the federal polity and secular fabric of the country.

Social justice to the deprived sections of soceity is another priority for Dr Raja.

Ms Kanimozhi is all set to add glamour, grace and serenity to the House.. he said. "I would raise the issues pertaining to women empowerment as had been demonstrated by the elevation of Mrs Pratibha Patil to the office of the President." Much more has to be done in alleviating their sufferings," said Ms Kanimozhi with a smile on her face.

Another issue that was close to her heart relates to improving the plight of the downtrodden who she said must be brought into the mainstream.

Her colleague in the party, Mr Shiva said there was another immediate concern relating to the linking of waters. "The sufferings of the socially and economically backward people demand immediate attention." However, when Dr Singh was asked by the media to answer questions pertaining to the 123 agreement on nuclear cooperation with the US he remained mum.

UNI