The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 through a voice vote. Earlier in the day, the House was adjourned due to sloganeering the House.
The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was withdrawn by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as listed in the Supplementary List of Business of the Lower House for the day. The Centre also tabled the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
The Upper House passed the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2022 after a unanimous voice vote. Former athlete P.T. Usha delivered her maiden address in the Rajya Sabha as a nominated member during the discussion on the Bill on Wednesday.
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Live updates:
Rajya Sabha adjourned
Rajya Sabha is adjourned for the day after the House took up special mentions after the passing of the National Anti Doping Bill, 2022. The House is scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 11 a.m.
RS passes the National Anti Doping Bill, 2022
After discussion on the National Doping Bill, 2022, the Upper House passes the Bill unanimously after a voice vote.
The Bill was cleared by Lok Sabha last week along with certain official amendments.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur while responding to debate on the bill said that currently India can carry out only about 6,000 tests a year, and the law would help in increasing the testing capacity significantly.
He said for holding any large international championship, the number of tests required could be as high as 10,000 a month.
Mr. Thakur also said that with the passage of this bill, India will join the club in select countries like the U.S., China, Japan, and France, which have their own laws related to check doping in sports.
Several amendments moved by the Opposition were negated.
Lok Sabha adjourned
The Lower House will resume proceedings on Thursday, August 4, at 11.00 a.m.
India has an approximate 2% share in the global space economy, according to a 2019 estimate
In a written reply, Minister of State for Public Grievances and Pensions in the PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that the 2019 estimate had valued the global space economy at $360 billion. However, he also added that predicting the exact size of the global space economy is a complex exercise.
Suicide in security forces
Union Minister Anurag Thakur replies in Rajya Sabha
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur replies to the discussion on The National Anti Doping Bill, 2022, in the Upper House. He says sports is a State subject and that States play an important role in creating sports infrastructure, promoting the sports persons and also in creating jobs.
He also mentions the Chess Olympiad, currently underway in Chennai, and says that the game of chess originated in India but the Chess Olympiad was never held in the country. He also says 187 countries are currently participating in the 44th Chess Olympiad that is currently being held in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
Government withdraws the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019
‘Socio-economic factors overlooked’, says TMC’s Mausam Noor
Trinamool Congress member Mausam Noor says that India ranks third in doping and 152 cases across disciplines, marginally below Russia and Italy, citing a report from WADA in 2021. She joins several other members of the House in congratulating the Indian contingent for their performance in the Commonwealth Games.
Further, she also says that the bill makes no sufficient distinction between minors and majors and that the panels provided for in the bill should remain independent.
Noting that socio-economic reasons behind doping have been overlooked in the bill, she says, players resort to doping to register significant performances. “Such performanceas determine the quality of govt jobs and incentives they receive after career in sports. A limited professional shelf-life combined with the unrelated and unsatisfactory desk jobs that await them post their professional careers has always been a worry for sports persons. Provisions must be made for better monetary siupport during training and career periods,” she adds.
Lok Sabha passes the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022
The Bill has been passed through a voice vote.
‘Well balanced, visionary bill’, says BJP’s Phangnon Konyak
BJP member from Nagaland Phangnon Konyak hails The National Anti Doping Bill, 2022, as “well balanced and visionary” and says it is high time that the country passes the bill into a law. She points out five members from India’s contingent failed doping tests. She also says the bill will further enhance the sports culture in our country. She further highlights several other features of the bill.
“Once this bill becomes an act, NADA will have powers to search, conduct raids and seize. Currently it doesn’t have search power. What this bill basically aims to do is bring sports into the mainstream. It means to give effect to the UNESCO international convention against doping in sports and other such international compliance. It is high time the country which aspires to be in the galaxy of the sporting nations also has its own effective mechanism of tackling doping in sports and The National Anti-Doping Bill exactly seems to do that. It is only fair that the bill becomes a law, only then will India be able to avoid international embarassment such as the infamous record of having the third most number of positive samples among the national anti doping organisations of the world,” she says, in support of the bill.
Ashwini Vaishnaw responds to questions on brain drain related to the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022
Across sectors like telecom, startup, electronics, IT, etc., Indian students who had left the country and gone abroad to establish themselves have come to India to share their experience and skill by associating with Startup India, the minister says.
This Bill will pitch India higher than countries like Russia, Italy who are topping the world in terms of doping activities: Dr. Amar Patnaik, BJD
Many Indian athletes take Ayurvedic and homoeopathic medicines without knowing they might include banned substances — our realities are different and that has to be factored into this Bill, Dr. Patnaik says.
High number of doping cases in India is a serious concern that needs to be addressed: P.T. Usha
“We are yet to open our eyes to the abuse of doping in our country. What was once confined only to the senior national levels has now reached junior, college, and school levels too,” Ms. Usha says.
In her maiden speech in the Upper House as a nominated member, Ms. Usha showers praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and says that his efforts have revived India’s performance in sports.
Additionally, she also says that more emphasis is needed on sports medicine and sports science in India.
Request Minister (Anurag Thakur) to concentrate a bit more on sports than the politics around him, says MP John Brittas
“You should be using your political clout to increase the budgetary allocation to sports in India,” Dr. Brittas says to Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur.
He also suggests that the ministry should consult Rajya Sabha member P.T. Usha to understand the resources required by sportspersons.
“Cricket is overbearing. I have no issue with it, but we need to have an even structure in our sports culture,” he adds.
Incidents of doping affect the morale of sportspersons, disappoint aspiring athletes: Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy
Speaking on the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2022, Mr. Reddy says he welcomes the Bill as it seems to rectify the problem.
He counts protection towards athletes and inclusion of athlete-support personnel — that includes managers, coaches, trainers, agents, team staff, and medical or paramedical officials — to be subjected to consequences of violation of guidelines as positives of the Bill.
In his speech, Mr. Reddy also congratulates Sanket Sargar, Gururaja Poojary, and Mirabai Chanu for winning medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Lower House adjourned till 4 p.m.
Rajendra Agarwal, who was chairing the discussion on The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 adjourned proceedings in the lower house due to loud sloganeering by Opposition MPs against the raids conducted by central agencies that are allegedly targeting Opposition leaders
TMC’s Sougata Ray leads walk out
As Opposition leaders in the Lok Sabha – during discussion on The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 – continue to raise slogans loudly against the “misuse of central investigative agencies” against Opposition leaders, Sougata Ray of the Trinamool Congress led a walkout of his party MPs after stating: “I came to support the bill, but... officers of the CID West Bengal were prevented by the Delhi police from conducting raids on Jharkhand MLAs who had taken money from the BJP...”
AITC MP Shantanu Sen demands clarity on certain clauses mentioned in the Bill
According to Dr. Sen, details about qualifications of members are missing in the Bill. The MP also adds that the “therapeutic use exemption” for drugs, as mentioned in the Bill, is unclear. “There is confusion if an athlete doesn’t know if he can take a simple paracetamol or not.”
Set up policy for Central Universities in states: Chandra Sekhar Sahu
Chandra Sekhar Sahu of the BJD said during the discussion on the The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 that he supports the bill but noted that his state of Odisha has only one Central University, which he added is in bad shape and neglected. He requested the setting up of a policy to set up Central Universities in states. Mr. Sahu also added that the Education Minister should look into the situation in Odisha.
Both Houses resume
Both Houses resume. Rajya Sabha discusses The National Anti-Doping Bill, 2022, while the the Lok Sabha resumed to loud slogans from the opposition against the ED raids and is discussing The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Rajya Sabha adjourned
Post-lunch proceedings will resume at 2 p.m. According to listed business, Rajya Sabha will consider the National Anti-Doping Bill and and the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022 for passing once proceedings resume.
Uproar over UAPA in Rajya Sabha
MP Jayant Chaudhary cites data provided by the Centre on conviction rate under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The RJD MP says that low conviction rate shows that the application of law is incorrect. “What steps will you take to sensitise the Uttar Pradesh Police,” he asks MoS Home Nityanand Rai. Not all matters have been decided. State Governments also file cases under UAPA,” the minister replies.
26 green highways being constructed, will be ready in 3 years: Govt
Replying to a query during Question Hour, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari says, “The Government is constructing 26 green highways. Road infrastructure in India will be similar to that of the U.S by 2024. There is no dearth of funds. We are committed to change the face of road infrastructure in the country.”
Centre tables Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022
Union Power Minister R K Singh moves to introduce the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in the Lower House. Explaining salient features of the Bill Mr. Singh says that the Bill will increase the demand for renewable energy, offer of carbon credit to green fuel resources, increase in scope of energy efficiency bureau. With a voice vote, the Bill is introduced.
As Opposition sloganeering continues, Lok Sabha is adjourned till 2 p.m.
Read about the proposed amendments here
Lok Sabha resumes with business
Papers are being laid in the Lower House by various MPs with Rajendra Agrawal in the Chair. Opposition MPs raise slogans ‘ ED sarkar (govt) down down ‘, referring to the recent raids on Opposition by the Enforcement Directorate
Question Hour begins in Rajya Sabha
Zero Hour has concluded. Question Hour is being taken up in the Upper House. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh is in the chair
Congress MP Amee Yajnik urges Govt to provide accessible and affordable cancer care
During the Zero Hour, Congress MP Amee Yajnik raised the issue of facilities available to cancer patients in the country as she urged the Centre to facilitate affordable access to treatment. The MP said, “As per an ICMR report, the number of Indians suffering from cancer is likely to increase. This is a gross situation. We need access to cancer treatment and facilities realted to it should be a major issue.”
“Urge the Centre for more investment for infrastructure for cancer patients and ensure easy access to such facilities for cancer patients,” the MP said in Rajya Sabha.
India experiencing medical inflation, Govt must spend on healthcare: Sandosh Kumar
CPI MP Sandosh Kumar highliged the issue of medical inflation as he urged the Centre to focus on healthcare. “India is the third largest manufacturer of medicines and still medical inflation is high in the country. It is 14% when compared with other Asian contries. It is difficult for an ordinary India to afford medical course. We have 355 essential medicines listed in the national list and the price of this all these are high. We need to rethink our medical policies. Spend more on healthcare and Pharma companies have to be controlled.”
Chinese research vessel to dock at Sri Lankan port: MDMK MP raises concern
MDMK’s Vaiko has raised concern over reports on Sri Lanka’s decision to allow a Chinese vessel to dock at the Hambantota port next month. He said the tracking systems of the vessel could be used to snoop on Indian installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port. The southern deep-sea port of Hambantota is considered strategically important for its location. The port has been developed largely with Chinese loans. Meanwhile, India is closely following the planned visit of a Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel to the Hambantota Port next week, sources have said.
Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon
Amid Opposition sloganeering, Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demands discussion over ‘misuse’ of ED
Congress’s Mallikarjun Kharge cites Rule 267, demands a dicussion on the alleged misuse of probe agencies like ED by the Centre. Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi also raises the issue of arrest of her colleague Sanjay Raut. The Chair denies permission.
Under Rule 267, a member, with the consent of the Chairperson, can move that any rule may be suspended in its application to a motion related to the business listed before the Council of that day and if the motion is carried, the rule in question shall be suspended for the time being.
Lok Sabha starts Question hour amid sloganeering
Opposition MPs raise slogans against Centre in the Lower House as Question Hour starts with Speaker Om Birla in Chair. Discussion underway on construction of railway structures such as over bridges and underpasses.
Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings
With Chairman Venkaiah Naidu in the chair, Rajya Sabha has resumed proceedings. As per listed business, papers are being laid on the table of the House.
Monsoon Session Day 12: Discussion on inflation, Wild Life Protection (Amendment) Bill, and more
In this episode of the Parliament Watch podcast, we cover the long discussion on inflation, passing of the Wild Life Protection (Amendment) Bill, and question hour.
Listed legislative business
Anti-Doping Bill: Union Minister Anurag Thakur to move that the Bill to provide for the constitution of the National Anti-Doping Agency for regulating anti-doping activities in sports and to give effect to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisaton International Convention against doping in sport, and compliance of such other obligations and commitments thereunder and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, as passed by Lok Sabha, will be taken into consideration.
The Family Courts (Amendment) Bill: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to move that the Bill further to amend the Family Courts Act, 1984, as passed by the Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration.
Listed legislative business
Union Minister R.K Singh to move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The minister will also introduce the Bill.
The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 will also be taken up for consideration to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009.
Vice-President flags off Tiranga bike rally of MPs
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Piyush Goyal flagged off MPs’ Tiranga Bike rally from Red Fort on Wednesday morning .On Tuesday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi appealed to members of all political parties to attend the rally from Red Fort to Parliament.
Day 12 recap: Here’s what happened
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied in the Rajya Sabha on the much-awaited debate on inflation on Day 12 of the Monsoon Session on Tuesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed questions on the consistent fall of the rupee and said there has been “no collapse” of the Indian currency. The Finance Minister added that even after a series of factors affecting the world economy, the Indian currency has “appreciated itself”.
She said the Indian economy was much better compared to its peer groups and developed economies. However, she said nobody was in a denial about the price rise. Accusing the Opposition of politicising the issue, the Finance Minister said they were trying to build a narrative that the poor person was not being given anything from the cess and duties collected by the Centre.
The Lok Sabha, meanwhile, passed the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021 after a debate, with many Opposition MPs highlighting the classification of vermins, invasive species and state governments’ reduced role. DMK MP Thalikkottai Baalu also questioned the efficiency of the reservation and social justice policies of the government.
