{start}
# Rajya Sabha Chairman Reconstitutes Panel of Vice Chairpersons with 50 Women MPs
In a groundbreaking move, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have ushered in a new era of gender parity in the upper house of India's Parliament. On Monday, he announced the reconstitution of the panel of vice-chairpersons, making history with 50% of its members being women parliamentarians. This move reflects a significant step towards gender inclusivity and empowerment in the political landscape of India.
Let's delve into the details of this momentous development and its implications for the future.
## A Momentous Shift
The announcement came on the first day of a special session of Parliament, setting the tone for a session that promises to be historic in more ways than one. Dhankhar proudly declared, "The House members are informed that the panel of vice-chairpersons has been reconstituted with effect from September 13, 2023. Honourable members will be happy to note that 50% of the vice chairpersons happen to be women."
## The New Faces
The eight-member panel now boasts four remarkable women parliamentarians:
1. **Kanta Kardam:** A stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
2. **Sumitra Balmik:** Another distinguished BJP member.
3. **Geeta alias Chandraprabha:** Adding diversity to the BJP representation.
4. **Mamata Mohanta:** A prominent member of the Biju Janata Dal.
This diverse quartet embodies the changing face of Indian politics, where women are stepping into leadership roles and contributing significantly to the decision-making process.
## A Glimpse into the Future
Dhankhar didn't stop at the present; he hinted that the percentage of women in the panel may rise even further in the future. This forward-looking statement underscores the commitment of the Rajya Sabha to gender equality and inclusivity.
## Responsibilities of the Vice Chairpersons
The vice chairpersons play a crucial role in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha. They are eligible to preside over the house in the absence of the chairman or the deputy chairman, ensuring the smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings. With more women in these positions, it's likely that the perspective and priorities of women in India will receive greater attention and representation.
## The Full Panel
In addition to the four women vice chairpersons, the panel includes the following members:
- **Akhilesh Prasad Singh** from the Congress party.
- **Narain Dass Gupta** representing the Aam Aadmi Party.
- **V Vijayasai Reddy** from the YSRCP.
- **Santanu Sen** hailing from the Trinamool Congress.
This diverse mix of political affiliations further reinforces the idea that this panel represents a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives.
## The Special Session
The special session of Parliament, scheduled from September 18 to 22, promises to be a defining moment in Indian politics. With a panel that includes a significant representation of women, it's expected that a wide range of critical issues will be discussed, from governance to social justice, with a fresh perspective.
As we look ahead to this crucial session, we can't help but appreciate the symbolism of this reconstituted panel. It's a testament to the evolving nature of Indian democracy, where diversity and gender equality are finally taking center stage.
{finish}
---
**Focus Keywords:**
- Rajya Sabha Chairman
- Vice Chairpersons
- Women MPs
**SEO Title:** Rajya Sabha Chairman Reconstitutes Panel with 50% Women MPs
**Slug:** rajya-sabha-chairman-reconstitutes-panel
**Meta Description:** Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reconstitutes the panel of vice chairpersons with 50% women MPs, marking a historic moment in Indian politics.
**Alt text image:** A diverse group of parliamentarians in a discussion.
---
**FAQs**
**1. Why is the reconstitution of the vice-chairpersons' panel significant?**
The reconstitution of the panel with 50% women MPs is a historic move towards gender inclusivity in the Indian Parliament. It reflects a commitment to empowering women in politics.
**2. What are the responsibilities of the vice chairpersons?**
Vice chairpersons can preside over the Rajya Sabha in the absence of the chairman or deputy chairman, ensuring the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings.
**3. Who are the women parliamentarians in the new panel?**
The four women parliamentarians in the reconstituted panel are Kanta Kardam, Sumitra Balmik, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, and Mamata Mohanta.
**4. How diverse is the new panel?**
The panel includes members from various political parties, such as the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, YSRCP, and Trinamool Congress, showcasing political diversity.
**5. What is the significance of the special session of Parliament?**
The special session, held from September 18 to 22, promises to be pivotal in addressing a range of critical issues with a fresh perspective, thanks to the diverse composition of the panel.