News Analysis India

Tag: Rajya Sabha

  • Don’t get provoked by negative approach of the Opposition, PM Modi tells party functionaries

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday termed the Opposition undemocratic for disrupting proceedings in the two Houses of the Parliament. He also came down heavily on the Opposition MPs for “insulting the rules and procedures of the Parliament”.

    Speaking to BJP MPs during the party’s weekly Parliamentary meeting, the Prime Minister talked at length about “the negative approach of the Opposition” in disrupting the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament in both Houses.

    Incidentally, this session has been highlighted by an unending ruckus over the Pegasus snooping issue, with both the government and the Opposition hardening their stance.

    In an apparent reference to claims by some of the MPs who have taken to social media to slam the passage of legislative proposals by the two Houses, the Prime Minister told the BJP MPs that such statements are an insult to the procedures of the Parliament.

    While a TMC member in Rajya Sabha had torn the statement of IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the Pegasus issue, several Opposition members had torn papers in Lok Sabha and threw it in the air. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi, while speaking to reporters, said the Prime Minister has asked MPs to exercise restraint in the face of provocations by the Opposition parties.

    Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman is also learnt to have made a presentation to the BJP MPs on the state of the economy. She argued that the economy has not been affected by the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.  She is also learnt to have given the account of measures taken by the government for various sector to address their concerns during the pandemic.

  • Govt, Oppn parties agree to take up statutory resolution, seven bills in Rajya Sabha

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: With a stalemate in Parliament over the Pegasus spyware issue continuing for the 11th day, the government and various opposition parties agreed on Tuesday to take up a statutory resolution and seven bills in the Rajya Sabha.

    Sources said at a meeting to chalk out the work to be taken up in the Upper House of Parliament, it was decided to allot 17 hours to a discussion on these bills.

    The meeting was chaired by Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, who again appealed to all sides to enable the House to function normally, the sources said.

    After Naidu met the top brass in the government, including the defence and home ministers, the Centre at the meeting reiterated its willingness to discuss the farmers’ issue, price rise and the economic situation in the country.

    Naidu urged other parties to take this forward, but the Opposition insisted on a discussion on the Pegasus snooping controversy and the threat it poses to national security.

    Among the bills that are likely to be taken up in the House are the Tribunals Reforms Bill, the Airports Regulation Authority Bill, the General Insurance Nationalisation (Amendment) Bill, the Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Bill and the Deposits Insurance Bill.

    The sources said it was also agreed to take up a notice given by Communist Party of India (CPI) member Binoy Viswam and MV Shreyams Kumar for annulling the recently-issued Information Technology Rules.

    However, the Opposition is insisting on a discussion on the Pegasus issue first, before any business is taken up.

    “No business will be taken up in the House till the issue of snooping is discussed,” an Opposition member said.

    The uproar caused by the Opposition members has affected the business in the House and some bills have been passed in the din.

  • No recommendation made so far on mixing Covid vaccines, govt tells Rajya Sabha

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: No recommendation has been made so far on mixing anti-coronavirus vaccines, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Friday.

    COVID-19 vaccines have been developed recently.

    Therefore, scientific evidence about mix and match studies of different vaccines is still evolving, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar said in a written reply.

    To a question on the issue, she said no recommendation has been made so far to mix the first and second doses of Covid vaccines by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization or the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19.

    There is no specific recommendation from the World Health Organization presently on mix and match of vaccines, the minister added.

    She was responding to a question on whether one can mix first and second doses of COVID vaccines and administer them to people who need it and whether any studies have been carried out or is there any scientific evidence that such mixing would not have any adverse impact on people.

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  • Rajya Sabha adjourned for day, passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Tuesday amid continuous protest by opposition parties over their demand for a discussion on the use of Pegasus spyware, farmers’ agitation against farm reform laws and other issues.

    However, the House passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021 with a brief discussion amid the ruckus created by opposition parties.

    As soon as the House resumed after lunch at 2 pm, BJP member Bhubaneshwar Kalita in Chair asked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to move the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

    Soon after, the opposition members started their protest and trooped into the Well of the House and remained there throughout.

    They also continued sloganeering.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi lashes out at opposition members for their conduct in Parliament

    The chair called Amar Patnaik (BJD) to initiate the debate on the bill.

    Thereafter, Banda Prakash (TRS), M Thambidurai, K Ravindra Kumar (TDP) and V Vijaysai Reddy (YSRCP) participated in the discussion on the bill amid continuous protest by opposition members.

    John Brittas (CPI-M) also rose to participate in the debate, but then started taking about issues like snooping, saying that the democracy is in danger.

    After the brief debate by a few members, the bill was moved for passage in the House and it was passed with voice vote amid the din by the opposition.

    Referring to the behaviour of opposition members, Sitharaman said it was unacceptable that they disrupted the members from participating in the debate and surrounded them in a threatening fashion.

    She also expressed her dismay over opposition members throwing pieces of paper on the chair, disrespecting the House.

    The bill seeks to replace the IBC Amendment Ordinance, 2021 promulgated in April which introduced pre-packs as an insolvency resolution mechanism for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with defaults up to Rs 1 crore.

    The Lok Sabha had passed the bill on July 28.

    The proposed amendments will enable the government to notify the threshold of a default not exceeding Rs 1 crore for initiation of the pre-packaged resolution process.

    The government has already prescribed the threshold of Rs 10 lakh for this purpose.

    The bill proposes a new chapter in the IB Code to facilitate the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process for corporate persons that are Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    As per the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the bill, it seeks to specify a minimum threshold of not more than Rs 1 crore for initiating the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process as well as provisions for disposal of simultaneous applications for initiation of the insolvency resolution process and pre-packaged insolvency resolution process, pending against the same corporate debtor.

    There would be a penalty for fraudulent or malicious initiation of the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process, or with intent to defraud persons, and for fraudulent management of the corporate debtor during the process.

    Further, punishment would be meted out for offences related to the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process.

  • Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 noon after opposition presses for discussion on Pegasus

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI:  Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned on Monday for almost an hour after opposition parties, including Congress and TMC, pressed for a discussion on the use of Israeli-made, military-grade Pegasus spyware, and farmers’ agitation against farm reform laws.

    While Congress MPs sought a discussion on the farm agitation, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Left parties sought a debate on the Pegasus snooping issue.

    No sooner had the House complimented shuttler PV Sindhu for winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and listed official papers laid on the table, the opposition MPs were up on their feet raising their demands.

    Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said he is willing to consider a discussion on farmers’ problems provided members do not disturb proceedings and cooperate. But as the Opposition MPs continued to raise the issues, he adjourned the proceedings till 1200 hours.

    Before adjourning the proceedings, Naidu said Ramgopal Yadav of Samajwadi Party, Sanjay Singh (AAP), Mallikarjun Kharge, Pratap Singh Bajwa and KC Venugopal (all Congress), Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC), CPI(M)’s Elamaram Kareem and V Sivadasan and Binoy Viswam of CPI have given notices under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up discussion on issues they want to raise.

    “I am ready to discuss. Even Business Advisory Committee has decided to hear about the farmers’ problems and also about other problems, provided if the House is in order,” he said. As MPs stood up to raise their issues, he said, “Members do not cooperate, stand up.”

    “If the House cooperates with me, I can hear people,” he said before adjourning the proceedings till 1200 hours. He also ordered publishing of names of the MPs who held placards.

  • Rajya Sabha adjourned till Monday amid Opposition protest

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till Monday amid continuous protests by opposition parties over the Pegasus snooping controversy, farm laws and price rise. After the House resumed post lunch at 2:30 pm, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, who was in the chair, called for private member business.

    The government introduced two bills — the Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Subsequently, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar moved a motion for consideration of the Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

    The bill was passed by a voice vote amidst the protest and sloganeering by the Opposition after a short reply from the minister. The deputy chairman then adjourned the House till Monday 11 am. Earlier, the Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice — first till noon and then till 2:30 pm.

    When the House re-assembled at noon after the first adjournment for the Question Hour, several Opposition members trooped into the Well, some of them carrying placards, and started raising slogans against the government.

    The House took up a few of the listed questions and the ministers concerned replied to the members’ queries. However, as the sloganeering by the Opposition members continued, the deputy chairman adjourned the proceedings till 2:30 pm.

    Earlier, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had adjourned the proceedings till 1200 hours just as the members of the Congress, TMC and other opposition parties stood up to raise the issues they have been pressing for since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 19.

    Before adjourning the House, Naidu expressed concern over parliamentary dignity and prestige being compromised by MPs by conducts such as whistling and placing placards in front of the ministers speaking during their protests in the last few days.

    He appealed to the members to see that the decency and dignity of the House are maintained. Thereafter, the listed official papers were laid on the table of the House. Naidu then called for the Zero Hour, where MPs raise issues of public importance.

    But just like the previous days, the Opposition MPs were up on their feet raising the snooping controversy, farm laws, fuel prices and other issues.

  • Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned for second time till 2.30 pm amid opposition uproar

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2.30 pm on Friday, as Opposition members created an uproar over the Pegasus snooping row and other issues.

    When the House re-assembled at 12 noon after the first adjournment for the Question Hour, several Opposition members trooped into the Well, some of them carrying placards, and started raising slogans against the government.

    In the meantime, the House took up a few of the listed questions and the ministers concerned replied to the members’ queries.

    However, as the sloganeering by the Opposition members continued, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh adjourned the proceedings till 2.30 pm.

    ALSO READ | Monsoon Session of Parliament: Centre tries to reach out, Opposition sticks to stand

    Earlier, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had adjourned the proceedings till 12.00 hours just as the members of the Congress, TMC and other opposition parties stood up to raise the issues they have been pressing for since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 19.

    Before adjourning the House, Naidu expressed concern over parliamentary dignity and prestige being compromised by MPs by conducts such as whistling and placing placards in front of the ministers speaking during their protests in the last few days.

    He appealed to the members to see that the decency and dignity of the House are maintained.

    Thereafter, the listed official papers were laid on the table of the House.

    Naidu then called for the Zero Hour, where MPs raise issues of public importance.

    But just like the previous days, the Opposition MPs were up on their feet raising the snooping controversy, farm laws, fuel prices and other issues.

  • Monsoon Session of Parliament: Centre tries to reach out, Opposition sticks to stand

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: With barely a week left in the monsoon session of Parliament, there was no respite from the ruckus in both Houses. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla threated action against members who had thrown torn placards at the Chair and the treasury benche. Rajya Sabha saw repeated adjournments, with Opposition MPs demanding discussion on the Pegasus controversy. 

    There was no breakthrough in the stand-off between the government and the Opposition, even though Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi and Leader of the Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal tried to talk to the Opposition. 

    The Lok Sabha continued to take up the Question Hour and legislative business amid a constant din in the House. Opposition MPs held out placards in the well of the House and raised slogans. The House still passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 amid the ruckus in the House. 

    Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (top) speaks in Parliament on Thursday

    Lok Sabha Speaker Birla, in reference to the incident on Wednesday when nine Congress MPs hurled torn placards at the Chair, said he was pained by the behaviour of these MPs and described this as against Constitutional norms and conventions. He called upon the MPs to offer suggestions to enhance the prestige of the Chair, while reminding them that they  aren’t individuals but institutions. The treasury benches demanded apology from the Opposition, with minister Joshi saying that “this isn’t the way they can behave”.

    Leader of Congress in the House, Adhir Ranjan Choudhary countered by saying that the Opposition parties weren’t able to raise issues in the House. Joshi said the government is ready for debate on any matter. Despite that, there were many adjournments.

    In Rajya Sabha, the Chair pushed through the Question Hour, as Opposition MPs kept demanding discussion on Pegasus and shouting ‘khela hobe’ (game on). Goyal and Joshi met these leaders, who reiterated their demand for discussion on Pegasus. The government pushed through the Factoring Regulation Amendment Bill without any discussion. The bill was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman amidst the din and it was passed before the House was adjourned.

    Rs 1,289 crore on new Parl and Vista this fiscal ​The government has so far spent Rs 238 crore for new Parliament building and Rs 63 crore for redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue. Estimated cost for these two projects for 2021-22 is Rs 1,289 crore. “New Parliament Building at an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore is targeted to be completed by October, 2022,” ministry of urban affairs said in Parliament.

  • Monsoon Session of Parliament: Cenetre tries to reach out, Opposition sticks to stand

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: With barely a week left in the monsoon session of Parliament, there was no respite from the ruckus in both Houses. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla threated action against members who had thrown torn placards at the Chair and the treasury benche. Rajya Sabha saw repeated adjournments, with Opposition MPs demanding discussion on the Pegasus controversy. 

    There was no breakthrough in the stand-off between the government and the Opposition, even though Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi and Leader of the Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal tried to talk to the Opposition. 

    The Lok Sabha continued to take up the Question Hour and legislative business amid a constant din in the House. Opposition MPs held out placards in the well of the House and raised slogans. The House still passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 amid the ruckus in the House. 

    Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (top) speaks in Parliament on Thursday

    Lok Sabha Speaker Birla, in reference to the incident on Wednesday when nine Congress MPs hurled torn placards at the Chair, said he was pained by the behaviour of these MPs and described this as against Constitutional norms and conventions. He called upon the MPs to offer suggestions to enhance the prestige of the Chair, while reminding them that they  aren’t individuals but institutions. The treasury benches demanded apology from the Opposition, with minister Joshi saying that “this isn’t the way they can behave”.

    Leader of Congress in the House, Adhir Ranjan Choudhary countered by saying that the Opposition parties weren’t able to raise issues in the House. Joshi said the government is ready for debate on any matter. Despite that, there were many adjournments.

    In Rajya Sabha, the Chair pushed through the Question Hour, as Opposition MPs kept demanding discussion on Pegasus and shouting ‘khela hobe’ (game on). Goyal and Joshi met these leaders, who reiterated their demand for discussion on Pegasus. The government pushed through the Factoring Regulation Amendment Bill without any discussion. The bill was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman amidst the din and it was passed before the House was adjourned.

    Rs 1,289 crore on new Parl and Vista this fiscal ​The government has so far spent Rs 238 crore for new Parliament building and Rs 63 crore for redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue. Estimated cost for these two projects for 2021-22 is Rs 1,289 crore. “New Parliament Building at an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore is targeted to be completed by October, 2022,” ministry of urban affairs said in Parliament.

  • Government will do whatever necessary to ensure India’s security is protected: S Jaishankar

    The minister said he has had good discussions with the visiting US Secretary of State on various global issues including on human rights, democracy, trafficking and big tech, as well as Afghanistan.