Day 15 of the Monsoon Session saw continued Opposition protests with both the Houses being adjourned within the first hour of commencement of the Houses.
After reassembling, the Upper House moved and adopted a Motion for Election to the Committee on Public Accounts and discussed recruitment to the Northeast Frontier Railway. Later, the Rajya Sabha considered the The Right to Health Bill, 2021.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya replied to the discussion on The Right to Health Bill, 2021, and briefed on the various steps taken by the Centre as part of its “holistic approach” towards healthcare in the country. He said that the government has regularly increased the health budget and as of 2022-23, it was at Rs. 83,000 crore. He also mentioned other initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also urged RJD member Manoj Kumar Jha, who introduced the bill, to withdraw it as the government is already working towards making healthcare accessible and affordable.
The Lok Sabha, on the other hand, took up Zero Hour even as Opposition protests continued in the Lower House after it reassembled. On resumption, memebrs of the lower house debated the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and later took up the Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019 for consideration. Following a debate between MoS Law and Justice S.P. Singh Baghel, BJP MP Janardan Singh ‘Sigriwal’ withdrew the bill.
The lower house commenced a discussion on the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which will continue on Monday.
Both Houses also took up several private members’ Bills.
Both Houses will resume proceedings at 11.00 am on Monday, August 8
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Live updates:
Lok Sabha adjourned
The lower house stands adjourned till 11.00 a.m. on August 8, 2022
Lok Sabha takes up Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2019
Gopal C. Shetty addresses the House on the subject of Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2019. He says that there are a large number of candidates take part in Vidhan Sabha elections, and considering the same, he moves to introduce an amendment to the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
He lists out the various parties who have been given the status of national parties, and says that the parties who do not achieve a certain number of votes, and minimal number of Lok Sabha candidates, should not be given the status.
He recalls the 2019 Maharashtra Elections, in which he says that people voted for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, which was not fulfiled. Mr. Shetty says that this happened because there are no laws forbidding the same, and this should also be looked at.
Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019 withdrawn from Lok Sabha
Janardan Singh ‘Sigriwal’ withdraws the bill from consideration
‘Compulsory voting not feasible in a country like India’
Minister of State, Law and Justice S.P. Baghel rises to respond to Mr. Singh. He cites data to highlight that since the Narendra Modi government has come in place, there has been an increase in voter outcome. He adds that this has been due to anticipation that government policies will come to fruition.
“In a country like a India where people still surivive on a PDS meal...in such a state making voting compulsory will not be feasible,” Mr. Baghel adds.
‘Election Commission should find ways of remote voting for migrant labourers’
Janardan Singh ‘Sigriwal’ addresses the House on the Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019. He says that he is not in favour of penalising eligible voters who do not cast their vote, and adds that if voting is made compulsory, then the resources being spent on voter registration campaigns can be diverted towards welfare of the poor.
He says that he also agrees that the poor should not suffer because of compulsory voting, and goes on to highlight the various developments that have been brought about by the Election Commission to ease the voting process.
“If voting is made compulsory, then services to make the voting procedure convenient will be increased,” says Mr. Singh. He adds that for migrant labourers, the election commission should think of a solution of remote voting similar to one being provided to army personnel and NRIs.
Rajya Sabha adjourns for the day
Following the discussion and Minister’s reply on The Right to Health Bill, 2021, CPI’s Binoy Viswam introduces the Bhagat Singh National Urban Employment Guarantee Bill, 2022. The House then takes up Special Mentions.
Trinamool Congress’ Jawhar Sircar says the government has not released any new consumer expenditure survey in the last 10 years. CPI(M) member Sivadasan says that ASHA workers should be provided with social security by giving them job security and health facilities. Several other members also mention various subjects from settling pay and wage revisions of BSNL employees to establishing proton treatment facilities in state capitals for cancer patients. The House was then adjourned for the day to reconvene at 11 a.m. on August 8 (Monday).
People should be motivated to vote in elections, not forced to, says MoS Law and Justice
If voting is made compulsory, the poor of this country will be the one suffering the most, Mr. Baghel says to the House, raising the point of migrated labour. He recalls that when speaking on the subject previously, former MP Bhagwant Mann had said that those who do not cast their vote should be penalised by revoking their government aids. Mr. Baghel says that this will only drive the citizens to knock at the court’s door.
“Before making voting compulsory, we have to make several other things compulsory,” he says. Remarking on the Congress government, Mr. Baghel also adds that voting has also been affected by the loss of trust in government promises.
Mr. Baghel goes on to recall previous instances of when such a bill was brought up, and how the Supreme Court had responded to the same.
“Democracy is for the people, of the people and by the people. If some people don’t want to give the vote, then we can’t go ahead and make it compulsory,” he says.
People should be motivated to vote in elections, not forced to, he says speaking on the various voter-registration camps held across higher-educational institutions.
Mr. Baghel goes on to state examples of how state-welfare policies of the Narendra Modi government have aided in increasing the voter output.
“There are other ways to strengthen democracy. Democracy shouldn’t be strengthened by hurting someone,” he adds.
Mr. Baghel says that India still needs to progress in the areas of science and technology, till such time that voters can cast vote from anywhere, anytime, compulsory voting will remain unfeasible.
He concludes that the government should encourage the public to vote by fulfilling their electoral promises.
1.5 lakh health and wellness centres in India by December 2022: Health Minister
Mr. Mandaviya says PM Modi said in 2018 that the government will build 150,000 health and wellness centers in the country and as of today, 122,000 centers have been established. “By December, 1.5 lakh centers will be available to serve the country,” he says.
During his reply to the discussion on The Right to Health Bill, 2021, Mr. Mandaviya also talks about the eSanjeevani teleconsultation scheme that is provided at the health and wellness centres. He says poor people living in villages can come to these centres and get medical advice or treatment from specialist doctors through this scheme.
Lok Sabha takes up Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019
The Lok Sabha takes up for consideration and passing the Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019 moved by Janardan Singh ‘Sigriwal’. S.P. Singh Baghel addresses the House on the same.
He raises points such as the non-feasibility of imposing a fine on those not casting a vote, and reminds the House of voters such as MGNREGA employees who may not be able to cast a vote.
He says that certain countries around the world have tried to implement this system of compulsory voting, but he adds that those countries quickly realised that it is not in favour of people and rolled back the system.
He says that certain countries around the world have tried to implement this system of compulsory voting, but he adds that those countries quickly realised that it is not in favour of people and rolled back the system.
Mr. Baghel also reminds the House of the extreme weather conditions across the country that voters may have to face while going to cast their ballot. He adds that we cannot simply emulate what other countries are doing, and must take care of the intricacies of our country. “It is a right, not duty,” says Mr. Baghel
Lok Sabha members introduce bills for development of Marathi language, for Compensatory Afforestation Fund and compensation to riot victims
Unmesh Bhaiyyasaheb Patil introduces the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2022
Janardan Singh introduces three separate bills- the Youth Welfare Bill, 2022, Visually Impaired Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2022, and Orphans (Reservation of Posts in Government Establishments and Welfare) Bill, 2022
Feroze Varun Gandhi introduces a Bill to outline the modalities for providing employment to Indian citizens across various departments of Central government
Dhanush M. Kumar introduces the National Strategy for Reduction of Food Waste Bill, 2022
Shrikant Shinde introduces a bill to establish and incorporate a teaching University for the promotion and development of Marathi language and literature, and another bill to provide for compulsory teaching of urban planning in senior secondary level in all the schools throughout the country
Manoj Rajoria introduces the Residential Schools (for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Bill, 2022
Krishnapal Singh Yadav introduces the Madhya Pradesh Central Agricultural University Bill, 2022, and the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Repeal Bill, 2022
Ramesh Chand Bind introduces the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Amendment Bill, 2022, and the Victims of Riots, Communal Violence and Violent Protests (Equal Compensation) Bill, 2022
Heena Gavit introduces three separate bills- Compensatory Afforestation Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2022, the Rehabilitation and Relocation of Persons Displaced due to Climate Change Bill, 2022, and another to amend the constitution
Nihal Chand Chauhan introduces the Environment (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022.
Hanuman Beniwal introduces the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022
Lok Sabha members introduce bills to make military training compulsory, prohibit publication of objectionable religious material, and provide for special measures for disabled persons
Sunil Kumar Singh introduces three separate bills- Prohibition of Publication and Dissemination of Objectionable Material on Religion Bill, 2022, Special Irrigation Development Fund (For Forest Areas) Bill, 2022 and Girl Child (Prevention of Commercialised Trafficking, Rehabilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2022.
Vishnu Dayal Sharma introduces a bill to set up a system for greenhouse gas emission trading.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy introduces two separate bills - the District Development and Monitoring Committee for Implementation of Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored) Schemes Bill, 2022, and the Greenfield Infrastructure Development Board Bill, 2022.
Sukanta Majumdar introduces three separate bills- Eastern Region Tourism Promotion Authority Bill, 2022, Betel Growers (Welfare) Bill, 2022 and the Fishermen (Development and Welfare) Bill, 2022.
Bhola Singh introduces a bill to make military training compulsory for all abled-bodied citizens.
Gopal Chinayya Shetty, and Diya Kumari both move to introduce separate bills for amendments in the Constitution.
Anurag Sharma introduces the Anti-Drought Measure and Mitigation Bill, 2022.
Midhun Reddy introduces the National Commission for Economically Weaker Sections Bill, 2022.
Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel introduces a bill to provide for special measures and for regulation of service rules at workplace in appointments of persons with disabilities in Government services, and two other bills to amend the constitution.
Health Minister Mandaviya addresses Upper House
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addresses the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing discussion on The Right to Health Bill, 2021. Mr. Mandaviya says that the government’s approach towards healthcare in the country has always been holistic. He also says Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritised poverty alleviation over politics and said primary facilities should be made available to every poor family.
Further, the Minister also says the budget for health was ₹ 33,000 crores in 2014 when the BJP formed government and then increased the budget by 58% to ₹ 52,000 crores. It continued to rise and for the year 2022-2023 it is at Rs 83,000 crore, he adds.
Lok Sabha members introduce Private Members’ Bills
Under the Private Members’ Business, MPs continue to introduce bills on the floor of the House. Bhartruhari Mahtab, currently in the chair, had earlier informed the House that there are 171 bills being moved for introduction today.
Shrirang Appa Barne introduces two bills- Conservation and Maintenance of Archaeological and Natural Heritage Bill, 2022, and Ocean Thermal Energy Utilization Bill, 2022
Sudheer Gupta introduces the Special Financial Assistance for Development and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies in Forest areas in the State of Madhya Pradesh Bill, 2022
C.P. Joshi introduces three separate bills- Special Financial Assistance for Development and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies in Forest Areas in the State of Rajasthan Bill, 2022, the Population Control Bill, 2022, and Hindu Religious Places of Worship (Prohibition of Marketing, Slaughtering, Trading, Cooking, Serving and Consumption of Meat and Other Non-Vegetarian Food) Bill, 2022
Dileshwar Kamit moves to introduce a Bill further to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950
Gopal Chinayya Shetty introduces the Supreme Court, High Courts and District Courts (Use of Official Languages) Bill, 2022.
Unmesh Bhaiyyasaheb Patil introduces two separate bills - to establish and incorporate a National Water University in the State of Maharashtra to promote water education, and the Agricultural Workers (Welfare and Protection) Bill, 2022.
Lok Sabha takes up private members’ Bills
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi introduces a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India to insert a new article 371K
BJP MP Rama Devi introduces Female Farmers Entitlement Bill, 2021
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal introduces National Consultation Commission Bill, 2019, Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) and the Compulsory Military Conscription Bill, 2019
Rakesh Singh introduces Street Children (Rehabilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2019 and Supreme Court
of India (Establishment of a Permanent Bench at Jabalpur) Bill, 2020
Manoj Rajoria introduces Child Labour (Abolition) Bill, 2019 and Missing Children (Faster Tracking
and Reuniting) Bill, 2019
Midhun Reddy introduces Basic Food Items Price Fixation Board Bill, 2019
Asaduddin Owaisi introduces Right to Water Bill, 2020
P.P. Chaudhary introduces a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India to insert two new articles 220A and 336
Nihal Chand introduces the National Population Control Commission Bill, 2021.
Nishikant Dubey introduces Compulsory Periodical Desiltation of Dams, Reservoirs and Rivers Bill, 2021, Victims of Floods caused by Heavy Rains, Cyclones and Other Reasons (Rehabilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2021 and Prohibition of Multi-Digit Lotteries Bill, 2021.
DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN introduces Flood Control and Management Bill, 2021 and Special Financial
Assistance to the State of Bihar (For the Welfare of Farmers) Bill, 2021.
BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO introduces Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (Amendment of the Schedule)
SUPRIYA SULE introduces Compulsory Sensitivity Training in Educational Institutions Bill, 2022, Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (Amendment of section 2, etc) and Protection of Rights of Widows and Single Women and Abolishment of Widowhood Practices Bill, 2022
‘Each rupee should reach base’: BJP MP
Dr Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, BJP MP, says that Kerala doesn’t have a right to health, but still has a good system. For this, it is necessary to ensure that each rupee reaches where it is supposed to, he says. He praises Modi’s governance and policies related to health.
Some members express concern about the time allotted to speakers. Chair Vandana Chavan allows members to speak for longer since some members are absent.
Opposition MPs point to fallacies in Bill
With Bhartruhari Mahtab in the Chair, BSP MP Girish Chandra opposes the Bill claiming that several fake companies selling cheap solar lamps are circulating in the country. Seeking higher penalties on such companies, he urged the Union Minister to include appropriate clauses.
TRS MP Gaddam Ranjith Reddy accepts the five promises made by PM Narendra Modi at COP 26 but condemns the Centre’s punitive action on Opposition-ruled states like Telangana. Highlighting that power is a concurrent subject, Mr. Reddy seeks better state govt say in the issue. He also opposes the new Electricity rules which changes meter readings of farmers and disagrees with the state generating companies’ clause in the Bill.
Deliberation on the Bill to continue on the next day.
‘We have an international obligation to health’: MP Jawhar Sircar
Jawhar Sircar, MP from Trinamool Congress, requested the House to consider the Bill favourably. “We passed a bill recently on the grounds that we should fall in with international obligations,” he said, referring to the bill about Weapons of Mass Destruction.
“We also have an international obligation to health,” he added.
He also urged the government to make a plan of action for the next five years with the cooperation of the House and the goodwill of the people
He pointed out that we will soon occupy the status of the world’s largest nation, and said that we should “make it a demographic dividend and not make it a demographic disaster.”
‘Reduce GST on renewable energy’: Jayadev Galla
TDP MP Jayadev Galla supports the Bill but asks Finance Minister to reduce the GST on renewable energy from 12% to the 5-10% band. Raising energy storage issues and Green Hydrogen, he urges the Centre to invest in research & development of such technologies. Similar to Ms. Moitra, Mr. Galla also notes the increased investment in solar manufacturing, but pushes for wind, biomass and hydro power.
The Right to Health Bill, 2021 under consideration
The House takes up the Right to Health Bill, 2021, for discussion. Prior to this, the Chair wishes MP Manoj Kumar Jha for his birthday. Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha on July 22 raised the motion “that the Bill to provide for health as a fundamental right to all citizens and to ensure equitable access and maintenance of a standard of physical and mental health conducive to living a life in dignity and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration.” This is presently under deliberation.
CPI’s Sandosh Kumar P rises to support the bill and asks why his colleagues in the House are questioning making health a fundamental right.
‘How will India’s cooling demand be met?’: Mahua Moitra
TMC MP Mahua Moitra seeks clarification on how the Amendment will address concerns of India’s cooling demand. Citing the 2019 India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) report, Ms. Moitra states that India’s cooling demand will increase by 30% by 2030 and seeks inclusion of better star rating in appliances in the Bill.
She also suggests dividing India into two time zones to match humans’ energy demands and circadian rhythms, thus saving energy. Seeking promotion of other renewable sources like wind, water, biomass and hot springs along with solar, she raises energy storage issues. Stating that the Bill is a step in the right direction, she urges the Ministry to implement suggestions of other power reports.
Private Member’s Bills introduced in Rajya Sabha
The following Bills were introduced by MPs in the Rajya Sabha:
DEREK O’ BRIEN- The Epidemic Diseases (Prevention, Preparedness and Management) Bill, 2021.
DEREK O’ BRIEN- The Information Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
SANDOSH KUMAR - The Reserve Bank of India (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
SANDOSH KUMAR- The National Employment Guarantee Bill, 2022.
V.VIJAYASAI REDDY- The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (insertion of new article 3A).
V.VIJAYASAI REDDY- The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
V.VIJAYASAI REDDY- The Press Council (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
DR. V. SIVADASAN- The Protection of the State Resources Bill, 2022.
RAGHAV CHADHA- The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (amendment of articles 102, 191 etc.).
RAGHAV CHADHA- The Minimum Support Price Guarantee Bill, 2022.
DR. ASHOK KUMAR MITTAL- The All-India Services (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
DR. ASHOK KUMAR MITTAL- The Indian Institute of Nuclear Medicine Bill, 2022.
DR. ASHOK BAJPAI- The Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
DR. SASMIT PATRA- The Sal Leaves Collectors and Traders’ Welfare Bill, 2022.
DR. SASMIT PATRA- The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2022.
DR. SASMIT PATRA- The State Reorganization Commission Bill, 2022.
SUJEET KUMAR- The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings
The Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings at 2:30 pm. Deputy Speaker Harivansh Singh is presiding. Private Member’s legislative business to be taken up.
Union Minister explains features of Bill
Explaining the salient features of the Bill to counter climate change, Mr. Singh lists India’s tryst to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 33-35 per cent by 2030 and use non-fossil-fuel energy resources for 40 per cent power demand. He adds that the Bill will offer incentives like carbon credits for the use of clean energy, increase the scope of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 to include larger residential buildings under energy conservation standards.
Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 moved for passage
The Lower House resumes proceedings with BJP MP Rama Devi in the Chair. Union Power Minister R.K Singh moves to consider and pass the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The amendment was tabled in the Lower House on August 3.
Read more on the features of the Bill here
RS to forgo Zero Hour on Monday to bid farewell to Naidu; House adjourned until 2.30 p.m.
The Deputy Chairman of the Upper House, Harivansh Narayan Singh, noted that Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu will be demitting office on August 10, 2022. The House will not conduct Zero Hour on August 8, 2022, to enable MPs to bid farewell to Mr. Naidu.
Centre questioned on measures taken to curb farmer suicides; House adjourned until 2 p.m.
AIMIM MP Syed Imtiaz Ali asks the government on measures taken to curb suicides by farmers. “But changing names of places is more important for the Centre,” the AIMIM MP alleges before the House is declared adjourned till 2 p.m.
Won’t ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ scheme hurt khadi industry, asks Jaya Bachchan
Jaya Bachchan of SP from Uttar Pradesh asks the House whether the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ scheme will affect the production of khadi in India as it promotes the use of polyester.
Opposition protests continue as Zero Hour in progress
Opposition members are again in the Well of House. Even as the Lower House adopts a few resolutions, Opposition members again start sloganeering and can be seen in the Well of the House raising slogans and holding placards.
Papers being laid in the Lower House after reassembling
The Lower House reassembles as some MPs continue to raise slogans. With Kirti Premji Bhai, who is in the Chair, not allowing them to raise their issues, some MPs walk out of the House even as papers are being laid on the table of the Lok Sabha.
Discussion on recruitment to Northeast Frontier Railway underway
The Upper House took up the issue of recruitment to the Northeast Frontier Railway during Question Hour. In the Chair is Harivansh Narayan Singh.
Question House commences in Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha takes up Question Hour. The session is presided by Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
MP requests Centre to acknowledge Kerala rains
Jose K. Mani requests the Central government to take note of Kerala rains and acknowledge the plight of those affected by it. The Kerala Congress MP further says that the Centre should come up with a scheme to alleviate the plight of those who are affected.
Chairman Naidu issues clarification on arrest of MPs while House is in session
M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Chairman of the Upper House, said that some members of the House had an incorrect notion that MPs are exempt from detainment, arrest and questioning while the House is in session. Mr. Naidu said that MPs are on the same footing as the common man, and that the privilege endowed by the House does not excuse them from responding to criminal proceedings. ‘House Duty’ cannot be cited as a reason to skip questioning, said Mr. Naidu.
Motion for election to the Committee on Public Accounts moved and adopted in RS
The Rajya Sabha moved and adopted the Motion for election to the Committee on Public Accounts after the House reassembled at 11.30 a.m. on Friday.
Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings as papers are laid
The Rajya Sabha resumes at 11:30 a.m., presided by the Chairman of the Upper House, M. Venkaiah Naidu. Papers are laid in the absence of protests.
You don’t want to talk on issues, you’re here just for sloganeering: Om Birla to Opposition members in the Well of the House
Speaker Om Birla declares the House to be adjourned till 12 p.m. as Opposition members continue their relentless sloganeering. “You’ve been elected to raise people’s issue, but you’re only using the floor of the House to raise slogans,” Mr. Birla tells Opposition mebers before declaring the House to be adjourned till 12 noon.
What steps are being taken to improve the terrible health scenario in Bihar, asks BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy during Question Hour
BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, during the ongoing Question Hour and amidst continued Opposition sloganeerings, asks the Health Minister about the steps taken to create a better health infrastructure in Bihar, a State which he says is reeling under “terrible health infrastructure”. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informs the House that Ayushman Bharat scheme has been extended to Bihar as well. But Mr. Rudy, who is not satisfied by the answer, gives data on the number of hospitals inb the State and narrates the “terrible scenario of health infrastructure in Bihar”.
Rajya Sabha commences, adjourns within minutes amid protests
Rajya Sabha commences proceedings on Day 15 of the Monsoon Session, presided by the Chairman of the Upper House, M. Venkaiah Naidu. The House is adjourned until 11:30 a.m. amid protests by members of the Opposition.
Lok Sabha begins with incessant Opposition sloganeering
Speaker Om Birla remebers Bhim Prasad Dhal who recently passed away. Opposition members, who were protesting as soon as the House assembled, also participate but start sloganeering again as Question Hour begins.
India witnessing death of democracy, says Rahul Gandhi ahead of “Chalo Rashtrapati Bhavan”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that India is witnessing the “death of democracy” and anybody who stands against the onset of dictatorship is “viciously attacked”. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters ahead of the nationwide protest by the Congress, Mr. Gandhi said the sole agenda of the government is that people’s issues such as price rise, unemployment and violence in society must not be raised.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs of the party will hold a “Chalo Rashtrapati Bhavan” (march to Rashtrapati Bhavan) from Parliament to register the protest against price rise and unemployment.
Legislative business today
The Rajya Sabha will take up Private Members’ resolutions.
Legislative business today
The Lok Sabha is scheduled to introduce the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Lower House will also discuss the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and Anti Maritime Piracy Bill, 2019 for consideration and passing. The Lok Sabha will also take up Private Members’ resolutions.
Monsoon Session Day 14: protests over use of ED against opposition, and more
In this episode, we give you an overview of the fourteenth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, that took place on August 4, with a gist of key events that took place during the session. We discuss the intense protests by the opposition over the government’s use of central investigative agencies against the opposition, in addition to the summoning of Mallikarjun Kharge. We also discuss the passing of the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill and important written replies in the upper house. In addition, we also cover the discussion on the Atal Bhujal Yojana along with discussing the important replies in the lower house as well. In addition to this, we also discuss the other important events of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Read more the National Herald case:
Explained: What is the National Herald case and why has the ED summoned Sonia and Rahul Gandhi?
Sanjay Raut’s ED custody extended till August 8, wife summoned
Explained: The Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and why it relates to only two States
Guest: Jigeesh A. M., Deputy Editor, The Hindu
Hosts: Priyali Prakash, Diksha Munjal
Production: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
Rajya Sabha passes Family Courts Bill amid din over ED actions
The Rajya Sabha passed the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill on Thursday amid disruptions over the Enforcement Directorate’s “actions against Opposition MPs” when the House is in session. The Bill validates family courts in Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland with retrospective effect.
Government says 130 ‘hate news’ cases reported between 2019 Lok Sabha elections and latest round of Assembly polls
A total of 130 cases of “hate news” were reported to social media platforms between the 2019 Lok Sabha election and the latest round of Assembly polls in five States held earlier this year, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha on August 4.
1,472 vacancies in IAS, 864 in IPS in various States: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
There are 1,472 vacancies in Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and 864 in Indian Police Service (IPS) in various States as on January 1, 2022, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on August 4. In order to ensure optimal intake of directly recruited IAS officers, the government has increased their annual intake to 180 through civil services examination (CSE) since CSE-2012, on the basis of the recommendations of Baswan committee, he said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
