The cricket legend has been a Rajya Sabha member since 2012, but has rarely attended Parliament, and has never made a request for a discussion.
New Delhi: Nominated Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar is often criticised for his abysmal attendance in Parliament. But now, in the fifth year of his six-year term, the cricket legend has finally decided to seek a discussion drawing attention to the state of Indian sport.
Tendulkar has requested a short duration discussion on the condition of sports in the country, which will be his first attempt at initiating a debate in the upper house.
Sources told ThePrint that Tendulkar has submitted his request in the Rajya Sabha secretariat, and the discussion is likely to be listed during the winter session, due to begin on 15 December.
What is a Short Duration Discussion?
Here’s what Rajya Sabha regulations say about a short duration discussion: “Any member desirous of raising discussion on a matter of urgent public importance may give notice in writing to the Secretary-General specifying clearly and precisely the matter to be raised. Provided that the notice shall be accompanied by an explanatory note stating reasons for raising discussion on the matter in question. Further that the notice shall be supported by the signatures of at least two other members.”
Tendulkar’s poor track record
According to PRS Legislative Research, an independent organisation that tracks the performance of MPs, Tendulkar has never participated in any debate or introduced a private member’s bill. However, the master blaster has asked questions of various ministers.
In 2016, he asked about the utilisation of stadiums and sports grounds and employment for former sportspersons.
In 2015, he asked the ministry of Human Resource Development questions on yoga and sports as subjects, and sports as a compulsory subject.
He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the UPA government in April 2012, the first active sportsperson ever to be made an MP. He has since faced criticism for his inability to attend the house.