News Analysis India

Tag: Rajya Sabha

  • 312 track maintenance Railways staff died on duty in last four years

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Over 300 Railway Track Maintenance (RTM) personnel have lost their lives on duty after being by trains in the last four years over the Indian Railways. The highest number of RTM staff had died on duty from different railway sections in Uttar Pradesh from 2018 to December 5 in 2022.

    The Railways informed the Rajya Sabha (RS) that a total of 312 track maintenance staff had died in the last four years on duty in different parts of the country.

    Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday in a written reply said that ex-gratia compensations were paid to the families of Railway track maintenance staff who lost their lives while performing bonafide official duties after being hit by trains.

    “We are conducting regular counselling of track maintenance staff for ‘personal safety first’ while working near the tracks. They have also been equipped with protective equipment, safety helmets, and retro-reflective high visibility jackets for duty”, the minister informed the House, adding that work site remote control hooters and whistles were provided to track maintenance staff.

    The minister also said that periodic medical examination is regularly being conducted to ascertain the fitness of track personnel.

    The most notable information the minister gave in the Upper House was that the government has sanctioned the very high frequency-based ‘Approaching Train Warning System’, which is also called ‘Rakshak’, on the Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal routes on Indian Railway. “For this system, Rs 91.21 crores have been sanctioned”, the minister added.

    According to data shared by the minister in the RS, 61 track maintenance personnel lost their lives after having been hit by trains during duty in Uttar Pradesh from 2018 to December 5 in 2022. 48 track maintenance personnel died in Maharashtra during duty in the same period.

    On duty deaths of railways staff between 2018 and Dec 5, 2022
    STATES
    NO. OF DEATHS
    UP
    61
    Maharashtra
    48
    West Bengal
    35
    Andhra Pradesh
    33
    Bihar
    29
    Rajasthan
    27
    Madhya Pradesh
    26
    Jharkhand
    17
    Chhattisgarh
    14
    Haryana
    13
    Gujarat
    12

    NEW DELHI: Over 300 Railway Track Maintenance (RTM) personnel have lost their lives on duty after being by trains in the last four years over the Indian Railways. The highest number of RTM staff had died on duty from different railway sections in Uttar Pradesh from 2018 to December 5 in 2022.

    The Railways informed the Rajya Sabha (RS) that a total of 312 track maintenance staff had died in the last four years on duty in different parts of the country.

    Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday in a written reply said that ex-gratia compensations were paid to the families of Railway track maintenance staff who lost their lives while performing bonafide official duties after being hit by trains.

    “We are conducting regular counselling of track maintenance staff for ‘personal safety first’ while working near the tracks. They have also been equipped with protective equipment, safety helmets, and retro-reflective high visibility jackets for duty”, the minister informed the House, adding that work site remote control hooters and whistles were provided to track maintenance staff.

    The minister also said that periodic medical examination is regularly being conducted to ascertain the fitness of track personnel.

    The most notable information the minister gave in the Upper House was that the government has sanctioned the very high frequency-based ‘Approaching Train Warning System’, which is also called ‘Rakshak’, on the Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal routes on Indian Railway. “For this system, Rs 91.21 crores have been sanctioned”, the minister added.

    According to data shared by the minister in the RS, 61 track maintenance personnel lost their lives after having been hit by trains during duty in Uttar Pradesh from 2018 to December 5 in 2022. 48 track maintenance personnel died in Maharashtra during duty in the same period.

    On duty deaths of railways staff between 2018 and Dec 5, 2022
    STATES
    NO. OF DEATHS
    UP
    61
    Maharashtra
    48
    West Bengal
    35
    Andhra Pradesh
    33
    Bihar
    29
    Rajasthan
    27
    Madhya Pradesh
    26
    Jharkhand
    17
    Chhattisgarh
    14
    Haryana
    13
    Gujarat
    12

  • Rajya Sabha okays bill to include Gond community in ST category in parts of UP 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to include the Gond community in the Scheduled Tribes category in parts of Uttar Pradesh.

    The Rajya Sabha passed by a voice vote the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022, with some amendments.

    The bill was introduced by Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Tuesday.

    Replying to the discussion on the bill, Munda said the issue has been pending since 1980s and blamed the then Congress-led government for ignoring the plight of the community and denying them their constitutional rights through Schedule Tribes category.

    Munda also moved amendments in the bill, which will again go to the Lok Sabha for its nod.

    The bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha in April this year.

    The bill seeks to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Uttar Pradesh) Order, 1967 (ST Order) and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 (SC Order) with respect to its application to Uttar Pradesh.

    It seeks to amend the Scheduled Castes order to exclude the Gond community as a Scheduled Caste in four districts of Uttar Pradesh: Chandauli, Kushinagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Sant Ravidas Nagar.

    It seeks to amend the ST order to recognise the Gond community as a Scheduled Tribe in these four districts.

    The minister said the Uttar Pradesh government had written a letter related to the Gond community on April 22, 1981 stating that on the basis of their lifestyle, culture and from every aspects, they exhibited characters of scheduled tribe.

    He added that in those days, the Gond community was included under STs in other states.

    The minister rued that the issue has remained unresolved till now with the people of the community unable to raise their voice at the Centre.

    He also lamented that the then government did not implement the recommendations of the Lokur Committee for the uplift of tribals, keeping in mind their culture, lifestyle, closeness to nature and backwardness, and give them their constitutional rights.

    As a result, he said the country is facing the issue of tribals being left behind in the growth and development witnessed by India.

    The government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working for the betterment of tribals in the last eight years and would continue to do so, Munda said.

    Taking a dig at the Opposition over their attitude towards tribals, Munda said if they had cared, the first woman President from tribal community Droupadi Murmu would have been elected to the top constitutional post unanimously and now some of them have even started criticising her as well.

    NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to include the Gond community in the Scheduled Tribes category in parts of Uttar Pradesh.

    The Rajya Sabha passed by a voice vote the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022, with some amendments.

    The bill was introduced by Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Tuesday.

    Replying to the discussion on the bill, Munda said the issue has been pending since 1980s and blamed the then Congress-led government for ignoring the plight of the community and denying them their constitutional rights through Schedule Tribes category.

    Munda also moved amendments in the bill, which will again go to the Lok Sabha for its nod.

    The bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha in April this year.

    The bill seeks to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Uttar Pradesh) Order, 1967 (ST Order) and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 (SC Order) with respect to its application to Uttar Pradesh.

    It seeks to amend the Scheduled Castes order to exclude the Gond community as a Scheduled Caste in four districts of Uttar Pradesh: Chandauli, Kushinagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Sant Ravidas Nagar.

    It seeks to amend the ST order to recognise the Gond community as a Scheduled Tribe in these four districts.

    The minister said the Uttar Pradesh government had written a letter related to the Gond community on April 22, 1981 stating that on the basis of their lifestyle, culture and from every aspects, they exhibited characters of scheduled tribe.

    He added that in those days, the Gond community was included under STs in other states.

    The minister rued that the issue has remained unresolved till now with the people of the community unable to raise their voice at the Centre.

    He also lamented that the then government did not implement the recommendations of the Lokur Committee for the uplift of tribals, keeping in mind their culture, lifestyle, closeness to nature and backwardness, and give them their constitutional rights.

    As a result, he said the country is facing the issue of tribals being left behind in the growth and development witnessed by India.

    The government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working for the betterment of tribals in the last eight years and would continue to do so, Munda said.

    Taking a dig at the Opposition over their attitude towards tribals, Munda said if they had cared, the first woman President from tribal community Droupadi Murmu would have been elected to the top constitutional post unanimously and now some of them have even started criticising her as well.

  • Opposition walks out of Rajya Sabha over demand for debate on Chinese border attack

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The entire opposition led by the Congress on Wednesday staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha after their demand for a discussion on the Chinese aggression on the border was disallowed.

    Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the opposition parties wanted a debate to get full information on the Chinese aggression and encroachment on Indian territory, and that they stand by the Army and the country.

    But Deputy Chairman Harivansh said there was no notice before the Chair and a debate cannot be allowed on the issue.

    Opposition MPs shouted slogans for some time before staging a walkout. Those who walked out included MPs of Congress, Left, TMC, NCP, RJD, SP, JMM, and Shiv Sena.

    Earlier Kharge said opposition parties want a “detailed discussion in the House” on the Chinese aggression and encroachment at borders.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his statement on the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector hasn’t informed of the actual situation on the border.

    “Our effort from the start has been that we get full information and the country is also informed of what the actual situation there is,” he said, adding there was some information that China has built bridges on vacant land.

    Harivansh said there is no notice given by any of the opposition parties on the issue.

    “There is no permission for discussion,” he said, and called for taking up the listed zero-hour submissions.

    Kharge continued to speak but his mike was switched off.

    “We are for the country. We are with the army,” he said.

    Thereafter, the opposition MPs started raising slogans.

    The Deputy Chairman said he had on Tuesday stated that clarifications on Defence Minister’s statements were not allowed as it was a sensitive issue.

    Not satisfied, the opposition MPs staged a walkout.

    NEW DELHI: The entire opposition led by the Congress on Wednesday staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha after their demand for a discussion on the Chinese aggression on the border was disallowed.

    Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the opposition parties wanted a debate to get full information on the Chinese aggression and encroachment on Indian territory, and that they stand by the Army and the country.

    But Deputy Chairman Harivansh said there was no notice before the Chair and a debate cannot be allowed on the issue.

    Opposition MPs shouted slogans for some time before staging a walkout. Those who walked out included MPs of Congress, Left, TMC, NCP, RJD, SP, JMM, and Shiv Sena.

    Earlier Kharge said opposition parties want a “detailed discussion in the House” on the Chinese aggression and encroachment at borders.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his statement on the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector hasn’t informed of the actual situation on the border.

    “Our effort from the start has been that we get full information and the country is also informed of what the actual situation there is,” he said, adding there was some information that China has built bridges on vacant land.

    Harivansh said there is no notice given by any of the opposition parties on the issue.

    “There is no permission for discussion,” he said, and called for taking up the listed zero-hour submissions.

    Kharge continued to speak but his mike was switched off.

    “We are for the country. We are with the army,” he said.

    Thereafter, the opposition MPs started raising slogans.

    The Deputy Chairman said he had on Tuesday stated that clarifications on Defence Minister’s statements were not allowed as it was a sensitive issue.

    Not satisfied, the opposition MPs staged a walkout.

  • Rajya Sabha members support bill to include Gonds in UP in Scheduled Tribes list

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Cutting across party lines, Rajya Sabha members on Tuesday largely supported a bill for recognising the Gond community hailing from four districts of Uttar Pradesh as a Scheduled Tribe after excluding them from the Scheduled Castes list.

    The four districts are Chandauli, Kushinagar, Sant Kabir Nagar and Sant Ravidas Nagar.

    Some opposition members also demanded a similar review of more communities for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list and a caste-based census in the country during the debate on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022.

    The Bill was moved by Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda.

    Lok Sabha has already passed the bill which amends the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Uttar Pradesh) Order, 1967 to exclude the Gond community as a Scheduled Caste and amends the ST order to recognise it as a Scheduled Tribe in the four districts.

    During the debate, Manoj Kumar Jha of the RJD said the government should go for a caste-based census and in the meanwhile also implement 52 per cent reservation for the backward communities.

    CPI Member Santhosh Kumar P said there is a need to take up the welfare of the tribals and the backward communities seriously.

    While supporting a caste-based census, he also asked the government to look into the welfare of denotified tribes.

    Samir Oraon (BJP) said that due to the efforts of the present government, the backward classes were moving ahead.

    He alleged that the previous governments never cared for them and it is only the BJP government that is working for the welfare of such communities.

    L Hanumanthaiah of the Congress Party said he supports the bill and the government should look into the status of some more communities from the Scheduled Castes list across the country.

    He also said there is a need to provide more protection to the people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

    Citing some recent cases of violence against members of the Scheduled Castes community in Uttar Pradesh, he said:” Unless they take some measures, just passing a law will not solve the problem.”

    Hanumanthaiah also demanded a caste-based census in the country.

    According to Hanumanthaiah, the reported crimes against Scheduled Tribes were 8,272 in 2020 and increased to 8,802 in 2021, and he asked the government to look into it.

    “If you do not protect them, strengthen them by the budgetary allocation, then what is the point in the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes then only this law would have some meaning,” he said.

    Fauzia Khan of the NCP supported the bill and demanded the Dhankhad community from Maharashtra be added to the Scheduled Tribes list.

    Jayant Chaudhary demanded that the Kol community from UP be accorded the Schedules Caste status.

    He also supported a caste-based census.

    G K Vasan from TMC (M) supported the bill and asked the government to add the Narikuravar community from Tamil Nadu to the Scheduled Tribes list.

    BJP members – Jugalsinh Lokhandwala, Ramilaben Becharbhai Bara, Brijlal, Sakal Deep Rajbhar, Vinay Dinu Tendulkar and Biplab Kumar Deb – also supported the bill.

    The Minister would reply to the bill on Wednesday.

    NEW DELHI: Cutting across party lines, Rajya Sabha members on Tuesday largely supported a bill for recognising the Gond community hailing from four districts of Uttar Pradesh as a Scheduled Tribe after excluding them from the Scheduled Castes list.

    The four districts are Chandauli, Kushinagar, Sant Kabir Nagar and Sant Ravidas Nagar.

    Some opposition members also demanded a similar review of more communities for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list and a caste-based census in the country during the debate on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022.

    The Bill was moved by Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda.

    Lok Sabha has already passed the bill which amends the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Uttar Pradesh) Order, 1967 to exclude the Gond community as a Scheduled Caste and amends the ST order to recognise it as a Scheduled Tribe in the four districts.

    During the debate, Manoj Kumar Jha of the RJD said the government should go for a caste-based census and in the meanwhile also implement 52 per cent reservation for the backward communities.

    CPI Member Santhosh Kumar P said there is a need to take up the welfare of the tribals and the backward communities seriously.

    While supporting a caste-based census, he also asked the government to look into the welfare of denotified tribes.

    Samir Oraon (BJP) said that due to the efforts of the present government, the backward classes were moving ahead.

    He alleged that the previous governments never cared for them and it is only the BJP government that is working for the welfare of such communities.

    L Hanumanthaiah of the Congress Party said he supports the bill and the government should look into the status of some more communities from the Scheduled Castes list across the country.

    He also said there is a need to provide more protection to the people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

    Citing some recent cases of violence against members of the Scheduled Castes community in Uttar Pradesh, he said:” Unless they take some measures, just passing a law will not solve the problem.”

    Hanumanthaiah also demanded a caste-based census in the country.

    According to Hanumanthaiah, the reported crimes against Scheduled Tribes were 8,272 in 2020 and increased to 8,802 in 2021, and he asked the government to look into it.

    “If you do not protect them, strengthen them by the budgetary allocation, then what is the point in the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes then only this law would have some meaning,” he said.

    Fauzia Khan of the NCP supported the bill and demanded the Dhankhad community from Maharashtra be added to the Scheduled Tribes list.

    Jayant Chaudhary demanded that the Kol community from UP be accorded the Schedules Caste status.

    He also supported a caste-based census.

    G K Vasan from TMC (M) supported the bill and asked the government to add the Narikuravar community from Tamil Nadu to the Scheduled Tribes list.

    BJP members – Jugalsinh Lokhandwala, Ramilaben Becharbhai Bara, Brijlal, Sakal Deep Rajbhar, Vinay Dinu Tendulkar and Biplab Kumar Deb – also supported the bill.

    The Minister would reply to the bill on Wednesday.

  • Parliament passes bill to promote non-fossil energy sources, carbon credit trading

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A bill seeking to mandate the use of non-fossil energy sources such as biomass, ethanol and green hydrogen was passed by Parliament on Monday.

    The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was cleared in Rajya Sabha by a voice vote on Monday.

    Lok Sabha passed the legislation in the previous session in August this year.

    The bill provides for penalties for violations by industrial units or vessels, and on manufacturers if a vehicle fails to comply with fuel consumption norms.

    The amendments also seek to promote renewable energy and the development of a domestic carbon market to battle climate change.

    The bill is also aimed at helping the country achieve its international commitments on climate change.

    It aims to introduce new concepts such as carbon trading and mandate the use of non-fossil sources to ensure faster decarbonisation of the Indian economy and help achieve sustainable development goals in line with the Paris Agreement.

    Replying to a debate on the bill, Minister of New and Renewable Energy R K Singh said the bill is environment-friendly and will allow carbon trading in the country.

    “For government, the environment is precious and will take all steps for that,” he said, adding India has now become a leader in the energy transition.

    Currently 24 per cent of the energy consumption is from the housing sector and the government has targeted only the big commercial establishments having a load capacity of 100KW, he said.

    However, he added the state government has been given the liberty to reduce the building load up to 50KW.

    “We are also expanding the concept of green building. We are making it more sustainable. Earlier, it has energy efficiency and we are also adding the concept of renewable energy in this,” he said.

    The country also aims to be a leader in green hydrogen and the ministry has already drafted rules and the industry is going to invest to set up capacity for 25 million tonnes of green hydrogen capacity.

    He also said the country would achieve over 50 per cent of its power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.

    NEW DELHI: A bill seeking to mandate the use of non-fossil energy sources such as biomass, ethanol and green hydrogen was passed by Parliament on Monday.

    The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was cleared in Rajya Sabha by a voice vote on Monday.

    Lok Sabha passed the legislation in the previous session in August this year.

    The bill provides for penalties for violations by industrial units or vessels, and on manufacturers if a vehicle fails to comply with fuel consumption norms.

    The amendments also seek to promote renewable energy and the development of a domestic carbon market to battle climate change.

    The bill is also aimed at helping the country achieve its international commitments on climate change.

    It aims to introduce new concepts such as carbon trading and mandate the use of non-fossil sources to ensure faster decarbonisation of the Indian economy and help achieve sustainable development goals in line with the Paris Agreement.

    Replying to a debate on the bill, Minister of New and Renewable Energy R K Singh said the bill is environment-friendly and will allow carbon trading in the country.

    “For government, the environment is precious and will take all steps for that,” he said, adding India has now become a leader in the energy transition.

    Currently 24 per cent of the energy consumption is from the housing sector and the government has targeted only the big commercial establishments having a load capacity of 100KW, he said.

    However, he added the state government has been given the liberty to reduce the building load up to 50KW.

    “We are also expanding the concept of green building. We are making it more sustainable. Earlier, it has energy efficiency and we are also adding the concept of renewable energy in this,” he said.

    The country also aims to be a leader in green hydrogen and the ministry has already drafted rules and the industry is going to invest to set up capacity for 25 million tonnes of green hydrogen capacity.

    He also said the country would achieve over 50 per cent of its power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.

  • Private member’s bill on Uniform Civil Code introduced in Rajya Sabha

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A controversial private member’s Bill that seeks to provide for a panel to prepare a Uniform Civil Code was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

    ‘The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020’ was introduced in the Upper House amid protests from opposition parties.

    BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved for leave to introduce the Bill to provide for the constitution of the national inspection and investigation committee for preparation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India and for matters connected therewith during the private member’s business.

    However, Opposition members from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress protested against the introduction of the Bill saying it will “destroy” the social fabric and unity in diversity that is prevalent in the country.

    With the Opposition members seeking withdrawal of the Bill, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for division and the motion for introduction of the Bill was passed with 63 votes in favour and 23 against it.

    In the past, although the Bill was listed for introduction, it was not moved in the Upper House. The Bill envisages a collection of laws to protect the personal rights of all citizens without considering religion.

    NEW DELHI: A controversial private member’s Bill that seeks to provide for a panel to prepare a Uniform Civil Code was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

    ‘The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020’ was introduced in the Upper House amid protests from opposition parties.

    BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved for leave to introduce the Bill to provide for the constitution of the national inspection and investigation committee for preparation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India and for matters connected therewith during the private member’s business.

    However, Opposition members from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress protested against the introduction of the Bill saying it will “destroy” the social fabric and unity in diversity that is prevalent in the country.

    With the Opposition members seeking withdrawal of the Bill, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for division and the motion for introduction of the Bill was passed with 63 votes in favour and 23 against it.

    In the past, although the Bill was listed for introduction, it was not moved in the Upper House. The Bill envisages a collection of laws to protect the personal rights of all citizens without considering religion.

  • Bill to promote use of non-fossil fuels introduced in Rajya Sabha

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A bill that seeks to promote the use of non-fossil fuels, including ethanol, green hydrogen and biomass, was introduced in Rajya Sabha for passage on Thursday.

    The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is also aimed at helping the country achieve its international commitments on climate change. The legislation was cleared by Lok Sabha in August this year.

    Piloting the bill in the Upper House, Power Minister R K Singh said the country is working towards reduction in emissions although its per capita emissions is about one third of the global average.

    “If we look at the total carbon dioxide load on the environment, our contribution is just 3.4 per cent even as our population is 17.5 per cent of the global population,” he said.

    Yet, the county has emerged as one of the leading nations in energy transition and climate action, he added.

    “Today our non-fossil fuel power generation capacity is 42 per cent of our total capacity which is around 408 giga watt,” he said, adding that this initiative needs to be carried forward.

    “We have changed the way of generating electricity but that accounts for 40 per cent of the emissions. But we have to address other sectors which account for 60 per cent of emissions, which includes steel and cement manufacturing,” Singh said.

    In order to remain a leader in climate action, the government has brought in amendments in the legislation, he added.

    “In petroleum refining, we use hydrogen drawn from natural gas. The idea is to make green hydrogen here and thereafter replace the imported natural gas and stop carbon emission,” Singh said.

    Similarly, in the production of fertilisers, ammonia is used from natural gas, he said.

    “Now we propose to replace it with green ammonia. That is why we are bringing the amendments so that we make changes in the feedstock,” Singh said.

    The government also aims to address the construction sector through legislation, he added. The amendments also seek to promote renewable energy and the development of a domestic carbon market to battle climate change.

    Further, the bill seeks to introduce new concepts such as carbon trading and mandate the use of non-fossil sources to ensure faster decarbonisation of the Indian economy and help achieve sustainable development goals in line with the Paris Agreement.

    The bill also provides for penalties for violations by industrial units or vessels as well as on manufacturers if a vehicle fails to comply with fuel consumption norms.

    NEW DELHI: A bill that seeks to promote the use of non-fossil fuels, including ethanol, green hydrogen and biomass, was introduced in Rajya Sabha for passage on Thursday.

    The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is also aimed at helping the country achieve its international commitments on climate change. The legislation was cleared by Lok Sabha in August this year.

    Piloting the bill in the Upper House, Power Minister R K Singh said the country is working towards reduction in emissions although its per capita emissions is about one third of the global average.

    “If we look at the total carbon dioxide load on the environment, our contribution is just 3.4 per cent even as our population is 17.5 per cent of the global population,” he said.

    Yet, the county has emerged as one of the leading nations in energy transition and climate action, he added.

    “Today our non-fossil fuel power generation capacity is 42 per cent of our total capacity which is around 408 giga watt,” he said, adding that this initiative needs to be carried forward.

    “We have changed the way of generating electricity but that accounts for 40 per cent of the emissions. But we have to address other sectors which account for 60 per cent of emissions, which includes steel and cement manufacturing,” Singh said.

    In order to remain a leader in climate action, the government has brought in amendments in the legislation, he added.

    “In petroleum refining, we use hydrogen drawn from natural gas. The idea is to make green hydrogen here and thereafter replace the imported natural gas and stop carbon emission,” Singh said.

    Similarly, in the production of fertilisers, ammonia is used from natural gas, he said.

    “Now we propose to replace it with green ammonia. That is why we are bringing the amendments so that we make changes in the feedstock,” Singh said.

    The government also aims to address the construction sector through legislation, he added. The amendments also seek to promote renewable energy and the development of a domestic carbon market to battle climate change.

    Further, the bill seeks to introduce new concepts such as carbon trading and mandate the use of non-fossil sources to ensure faster decarbonisation of the Indian economy and help achieve sustainable development goals in line with the Paris Agreement.

    The bill also provides for penalties for violations by industrial units or vessels as well as on manufacturers if a vehicle fails to comply with fuel consumption norms.

  • In maiden speech, VP Dhankar raps SC verdict on NJAC

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  In his first speech as chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Wednesday took on the Supreme Court, describing its 2015 verdict that struck down the National Judicial Appointment Commission (NJAC) bill as a glaring instance of severe compromise of parliamentary sovereignty and disregard of people’s mandate.

    Dhankar said there is no parallel in democratic history where a legitimate Constitutional prescription was judicially undone. He underscored Parliament’s position as the exclusive and the ultimate determinative of the architecture of the Constitution.

    “Hon’ble members, there is no parallel to such a development in democratic history where a duly legitimised Constitutional prescription has been judicially undone. It’s a glaring instance of severe compromise of Parliamentary sovereignty,” the V-P said.

    He pointed out that the NJAC bill had received unprecedented bipartisan support but was quashed on the ground that it was not in sync with the basic structure of the Constitution. Calling Parliament the custodian of the “ordainment of the people”, Dhankar also said it was duty bound to address the issue and expressed confidence that it would do so. 

    Democracy blossoms and flourishes when its three facets the legislature, the judiciary and the executive scrupulously adhere to their respective domains, Dhankhar said, adding that the doctrine of separation of powers must be respected. “Any incursion by one institution in the domain of the other has the potential to upset the governance apple cart,” he said.

    Last week, speaking at an event in the presence of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Dhankar had said the power of the people reflected through the most certified mechanism on a legitimised platform, was undone.

    NEW DELHI:  In his first speech as chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Wednesday took on the Supreme Court, describing its 2015 verdict that struck down the National Judicial Appointment Commission (NJAC) bill as a glaring instance of severe compromise of parliamentary sovereignty and disregard of people’s mandate.

    Dhankar said there is no parallel in democratic history where a legitimate Constitutional prescription was judicially undone. He underscored Parliament’s position as the exclusive and the ultimate determinative of the architecture of the Constitution.

    “Hon’ble members, there is no parallel to such a development in democratic history where a duly legitimised Constitutional prescription has been judicially undone. It’s a glaring instance of severe compromise of Parliamentary sovereignty,” the V-P said.

    He pointed out that the NJAC bill had received unprecedented bipartisan support but was quashed on the ground that it was not in sync with the basic structure of the Constitution. Calling Parliament the custodian of the “ordainment of the people”, Dhankar also said it was duty bound to address the issue and expressed confidence that it would do so. 

    Democracy blossoms and flourishes when its three facets the legislature, the judiciary and the executive scrupulously adhere to their respective domains, Dhankhar said, adding that the doctrine of separation of powers must be respected. “Any incursion by one institution in the domain of the other has the potential to upset the governance apple cart,” he said.

    Last week, speaking at an event in the presence of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Dhankar had said the power of the people reflected through the most certified mechanism on a legitimised platform, was undone.

  • India will give direction to world in ‘Amrit Kaal’: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of India’s independence will not only be a period of national development and glory but also an occasion when the country will play an important role in giving a direction to the world.

    Welcoming Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar for assuming charge as chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the prime minister said the VP was taking charge at a time when the country was witnessing two historical occasions.

    “India has just assumed the presidency of G20 and this is also a time when we have commenced our journey into ‘Amrit Kaal’. Not only will ‘Amrit Kaal’ be a period of development and glory for the country it will also be an occasion when India will play an important role in giving direction to the world,” said the Prime Minister as the House met for the first day of the winter session.

    Modi said in this journey, India’s democracy, parliament and parliamentary traditions will also play a significant role.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi urges leaders of all parties to make winter session more productive collectively

    Hailing Dhankhar as a leader who has both the elements of ‘jawan’ (soldier) and ‘kisan’ (farmer) imbibed in him, the prime minister said the House was fortunate to receive his able and effective leadership at this juncture in history.

    “Our Vice President is a ‘Kisan Putra’ (son of farmer) and he studied at a Sainik school. Thus, he is closely associated with jawans and kisans,” he said.

    The Prime Minister exuded confidence that under the guidance of Dhankhar, “all members will effectively perform their duties and the House will serve as an effective platform to help realise the dreams and pledges of the country.”

    “Today you are formally commencing charge as chairman of this house. Many former prime ministers have been members of this august house at some time and many political stalwarts have started their journey from here. I am confident that your leadership will further enhance the dignity of this House and take it to greater heights,” Modi said.

    He also saluted the Armed Forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day.

    “The country is happy to see the achievements of Kithana’s ‘lal’ (son),” Modi said, referring to Dhankhar’s birthplace Kithana in Rajasthan.

    Referring to Dhankhar’s humble origins, he noted that like President Droupadi Murmu, who is guiding the country, the son of a farmer has now reached the top position in the Rajya Sabha.

    He further said that the House chairperson was an embodiment of the fact that success comes not through means alone but through dedication.

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of India’s independence will not only be a period of national development and glory but also an occasion when the country will play an important role in giving a direction to the world.

    Welcoming Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar for assuming charge as chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the prime minister said the VP was taking charge at a time when the country was witnessing two historical occasions.

    “India has just assumed the presidency of G20 and this is also a time when we have commenced our journey into ‘Amrit Kaal’. Not only will ‘Amrit Kaal’ be a period of development and glory for the country it will also be an occasion when India will play an important role in giving direction to the world,” said the Prime Minister as the House met for the first day of the winter session.

    Modi said in this journey, India’s democracy, parliament and parliamentary traditions will also play a significant role.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi urges leaders of all parties to make winter session more productive collectively

    Hailing Dhankhar as a leader who has both the elements of ‘jawan’ (soldier) and ‘kisan’ (farmer) imbibed in him, the prime minister said the House was fortunate to receive his able and effective leadership at this juncture in history.

    “Our Vice President is a ‘Kisan Putra’ (son of farmer) and he studied at a Sainik school. Thus, he is closely associated with jawans and kisans,” he said.

    The Prime Minister exuded confidence that under the guidance of Dhankhar, “all members will effectively perform their duties and the House will serve as an effective platform to help realise the dreams and pledges of the country.”

    “Today you are formally commencing charge as chairman of this house. Many former prime ministers have been members of this august house at some time and many political stalwarts have started their journey from here. I am confident that your leadership will further enhance the dignity of this House and take it to greater heights,” Modi said.

    He also saluted the Armed Forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day.

    “The country is happy to see the achievements of Kithana’s ‘lal’ (son),” Modi said, referring to Dhankhar’s birthplace Kithana in Rajasthan.

    Referring to Dhankhar’s humble origins, he noted that like President Droupadi Murmu, who is guiding the country, the son of a farmer has now reached the top position in the Rajya Sabha.

    He further said that the House chairperson was an embodiment of the fact that success comes not through means alone but through dedication.

  • Parliamentary Affairs Minister to convene all-party meeting on Dec 6, day before Winter Session

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi will convene an all-party meeting of floor leaders of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 6 December in Parliament, a day before the commencement of the Winter Session to discuss important legislative business.

    He will also discuss the issues likely to be taken up in the Winter Session of the Parliament.

    “It is my pleasure to invite you for a meeting of Floor Leaders of Political Parties in Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha to discuss Legislative Business and important issues likely to be taken up in the ensuing Winter Session of Parliament,” Joshi said in a letter to the floor leaders of both the Houses.

    The Minister also sought cooperation in ensuring the “smooth functioning” of both Houses.

    “I would also like to seek your cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses. The meeting shall be held on Tuesday the 6th December 2022 at 11.00 am at Parliament Library Building, Parliament House,” he wrote.

    The Winter Session of Parliament will be held from December 7 to December 29 this year, the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister announced earlier. The upcoming Winter Session will have a total of 17 working days, he said.

    Notably, this will be the first session during which Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, will officiate proceedings in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha).

    While the government is planning to pass several bills during the upcoming session of Parliament, the Opposition will demand a discussion on the pressing matters.

    On the first day of the session, the members are likely to pay respects to the sitting members who passed away. Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was one of the leaders whose death had prompted tributes from leaders across political parties.

    The Monsoon Session commenced on July 18 and adjourned on August 8. The session saw 16 sessions spread over 22 days.

    During the session, six Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha. Seven Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 5 Bills by the Rajya Sabha during the last session. One Bill was withdrawn. The total number of Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament during the session was 5.

    During the last session, 5 short-term duration discussions were placed including the price rise in both Houses. The productivity of the Lok Sabha was approximately 48 per cent and that of the Rajya Sabha was approximately 44 per cent. 

    NEW DELHI: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi will convene an all-party meeting of floor leaders of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 6 December in Parliament, a day before the commencement of the Winter Session to discuss important legislative business.

    He will also discuss the issues likely to be taken up in the Winter Session of the Parliament.

    “It is my pleasure to invite you for a meeting of Floor Leaders of Political Parties in Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha to discuss Legislative Business and important issues likely to be taken up in the ensuing Winter Session of Parliament,” Joshi said in a letter to the floor leaders of both the Houses.

    The Minister also sought cooperation in ensuring the “smooth functioning” of both Houses.

    “I would also like to seek your cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses. The meeting shall be held on Tuesday the 6th December 2022 at 11.00 am at Parliament Library Building, Parliament House,” he wrote.

    The Winter Session of Parliament will be held from December 7 to December 29 this year, the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister announced earlier. The upcoming Winter Session will have a total of 17 working days, he said.

    Notably, this will be the first session during which Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, will officiate proceedings in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha).

    While the government is planning to pass several bills during the upcoming session of Parliament, the Opposition will demand a discussion on the pressing matters.

    On the first day of the session, the members are likely to pay respects to the sitting members who passed away. Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was one of the leaders whose death had prompted tributes from leaders across political parties.

    The Monsoon Session commenced on July 18 and adjourned on August 8. The session saw 16 sessions spread over 22 days.

    During the session, six Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha. Seven Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 5 Bills by the Rajya Sabha during the last session. One Bill was withdrawn. The total number of Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament during the session was 5.

    During the last session, 5 short-term duration discussions were placed including the price rise in both Houses. The productivity of the Lok Sabha was approximately 48 per cent and that of the Rajya Sabha was approximately 44 per cent.