PM welcomes Ansari in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi, Aug 13: Welcoming Vice President Hamid Ansari on his first day in the Rajya Sabha as 'one in the line of distinguished Chairperson of the august House,' Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he was confident that the new Chairman of the House would restore dignity and decorum in the House, which has in recent years seen frequent disruptions.

''I hope all of this can be put behind, I assure you of my government's full cooperation with you,'' said the Prime Minister reading his welcome address as soon as the House assembled for the day.

Earlier, Mr Anasari, attired in a light brown sherwani and white churidar, entered to a warm welcome in the House which he was presiding over today for the first time as its ex-officio chairperson. He had assumed the office of Vice President on Saturday. The Prime Minister said the members of the House had perfect faith in his ability to provide guidance and maintain balance in its proceedings.

UNI