Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions

¨     Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions.

¨     The Committee on Petitions is one of the oldest parliamentary committees.

¨     It originated from a resolution passed in the Council of State on 15 September 1921, which provided for the creation of a “Committee on Public Petitions” with powers to take evidence.

¨     In 1933, it was given its present name, the “Committee on Petitions.”

¨     The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions was first constituted in 1952.

¨     Initially, it consisted of a Chairperson and four members.

¨     In 1964, its membership was increased to 10, which continues to this day.

¨     It is a permanent (standing) committee of the Rajya Sabha.

¨     It is constituted under Rule 147 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States.

¨     Members are nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who also appoints the Chairperson.

¨     The quorum of the committee is five members.

¨     The committee is generally reconstituted every year.

¨     The main function of the committee is to examine petitions referred to it.

¨     It presents reports to the House on specific grievances.

¨     It may also recommend individual relief or broader corrective measures.

¨     The committee has powers to take evidence and call for documents.

¨     It can obtain comments from ministries and departments.

¨     It may examine witnesses and hear petitioners.

¨     It also suggests remedial measures to address grievances and prevent their recurrence.

¨     Petitions must be submitted in a prescribed format and written in respectful and restrained language.

¨     They must include a brief statement of grievance and prayer, and must be signed or thumb-impressed by the petitioner.

¨     After the 1964 amendments, petitions are not limited only to bills or pending matters.

¨     They can also be submitted on matters of general public interest within certain limits.

¨     The procedure involves prior notice to the Secretary-General by a member.

¨     The Secretariat examines admissibility.

¨     After approval by the Chairman, the petition is laid on the Table of the House.

¨     It is then referred to the committee without debate.