News Analysis India

Tag: Winter Session

  • With Nearly No Opposition, Lok Sabha Passes Bill To Appoint CEC, Election Commissioners |

    New Delhi: In a significant move, the Lok Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 on Thursday. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal underscored that the bill, prompted by a Supreme Court ruling, seeks to regulate the appointment and service terms of the CEC and election commissioners.

     

    Lok Sabha passes the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.
    — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

     

    Key Provisions And Changes

    The bill encompasses crucial facets such as appointment procedures, qualifications, the establishment of Search and Selection Committees, terms of office, salaries, resignations, removals, leaves, and pensions for the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners. Notably, the legislation addresses the void in the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, which lacked provisions for qualifications and search committees.

    Meghwal emphasized the Supreme Court’s directive that the President, based on a committee’s advice, appoints the CEC and election commissioners. The committee includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, or the leader of the largest opposition party, and the Chief Justice of India. Pending parliamentary legislation, the Supreme Court’s norm remains in force.

    Law Minister’s Clarifications And Amendments

    Meghwal clarified that the bill’s amendment designates the Law Minister, not the cabinet secretary, as the head of the search committee. The President will appoint the CEC and ECs following the Selection Committee’s recommendation, consisting of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.

    This bill is slated to replace the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.

    Opposition Slams Centre Over Passage Of Bill In Absence Of MPs

    Despite the bill’s swift approval, major opposition parties refrained from active participation in the debate due to the suspension of 97 members for “misconduct” during the winter session. Opposition members have voiced serious concerns, asserting that this legislation represents “one of the biggest blows to democracy” in the past nine years.

    Congress leaders conveyed their apprehensions, highlighting a perceived shift from ‘electoral credibility’ to ‘elections compromised’ under the Modi government. The passage of this bill marks a pivotal moment in India’s electoral landscape, prompting discussions on its potential impact on democratic processes.

  • Complete purge being executed so that ‘draconian bills’ passed without meaningful debate: Congress

    The Congress on Tuesday alleged that a “complete purge” is being executed so that “draconian bills” are passed without any meaningful debate and the BJP MP “who facilitated entry of the two intruders” into the Lok Sabha on December 13 goes scot-free. The opposition party’s attack came soon after 49 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended from the House for disrupting proceedings on Tuesday, a day after 78 opposition members were suspended from Parliament.

    In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh underlined the suspension of Lok Sabha MPs Tuesday to allege that “a complete purge is being executed so that draconian bills are passed without any meaningful debate, and so that the BJP MP who facilitated entry of the two intruders into the Lok Sabha on December 13th goes scot-free”.

    The MPs suspended on Tuesday include National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah and Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari. INDIA bloc MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament on December 13.

    In an unprecedented move, 78 opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament on Monday, triggering a strong reaction from the Congress and other parties that accused the BJP government of trying to bulldoze key legislations in an “Opposition-less” Parliament.

  • Winter Session: Winter Session: PM urges opposition to go ahead with positivity, learn from the defeat

    Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the opposition to go ahead with positivity, learn from the defeat and leave behind the tendency of negativity of the last nine years.

    “If I speak on the basis of the recent elections’ results, this is a golden opportunity for our colleagues sitting in the Opposition. Instead of taking out your anger of defeat in this session, if you go ahead with positivity and learn from the defeat and leave behind the tendency of negativity of the last 9 years, the country will change their point of view for them,” he said.

    The Prime Minister said that winter is delayed but political temperatures in the country are rising.The country has rejected “negativity”, said the Prime Minister after the BJP secured victory in three out of four states on Sunday. AllMadhya PradeshRajasthanTelanganaChhattisgarhMizoram”Yesterday, the results of the four-state elections came out. The results are very encouraging – encouraging for those who are committed to the welfare of the common people of the country and to the bright future of the country,” said PM Modi.”I have been urging for your (Opposition) cooperation in the House. Today, I also speak politically – it is beneficial for you too if you give a message of positivity to the country. It is not right for democracy if your image becomes that of hatred and negativity. Opposition is equally important for democracy, it should be equally capable,” said the PM.Before the commencement of the session, we hold discussions with our colleagues in the Opposition, he said. “We urge and pray for the cooperation of everyone. This time too, the process has been undertaken. I also urge all our MPs that this temple of democracy is essential for public aspiration and to strengthen the foundation of developed India,” he added.

  • On First Day Of Winter Session, PM Modi`s Advice To Opposition Over Assembly Polls Defeat

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that while winter is approaching slowly, the political heat is increasing very fast.

  • Winter Session: Tawang clash dominates House, 7 bills cleared in 13 sittings

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: With India-China border clashes dominating the floor proceedings, the winter session of Parliament was concluded on Friday, six days ahead of schedule. The winter session, which began on December 7, was scheduled to end on December 29. However, it was cut short because of the request from legislators of both the Houses in view of Christmas and New Year celebrations ahead.

    The House saw repeated adjournments on the last working day also over the Opposition’s demand for a discussion on the Tawang clashes. On the last two days of the session, Union Health Minister’s letter to Rahul Gandhi to suspend the Bharat Jodo Yatra in view of the new Covid variant also led to war of words between the Opposition and the members of the treasury benches.

    Though the opposition persisted in discussions throughout the session on the December 9 faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, the government refused to allow any debate on the matter. While opposition alleged that the government is not being transparent with the border situation, the government maintained that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has already made a statement in both the Houses.

    “Disruption as an expression mechanism is antithetical to grace, decorum and sublimity of this solemn platform. The fall out is invariably negative as it generates disillusionment, disappointment, helplessness and hopelessness in the people,” he said.

    In terms of productivity, the House was 97 per cent during the 13 sittings, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his closing speech. The government passed seven bills including the supplementary demands for grants. Earlier, the government was considering taking up 16 bills during the winter session. In Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar said that productivity of the House was 102 per cent. The House held 13 sittings totalling 64 hours 50 minutes.

    NEW DELHI: With India-China border clashes dominating the floor proceedings, the winter session of Parliament was concluded on Friday, six days ahead of schedule. The winter session, which began on December 7, was scheduled to end on December 29. However, it was cut short because of the request from legislators of both the Houses in view of Christmas and New Year celebrations ahead.

    The House saw repeated adjournments on the last working day also over the Opposition’s demand for a discussion on the Tawang clashes. On the last two days of the session, Union Health Minister’s letter to Rahul Gandhi to suspend the Bharat Jodo Yatra in view of the new Covid variant also led to war of words between the Opposition and the members of the treasury benches.

    Though the opposition persisted in discussions throughout the session on the December 9 faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, the government refused to allow any debate on the matter. While opposition alleged that the government is not being transparent with the border situation, the government maintained that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has already made a statement in both the Houses.

    “Disruption as an expression mechanism is antithetical to grace, decorum and sublimity of this solemn platform. The fall out is invariably negative as it generates disillusionment, disappointment, helplessness and hopelessness in the people,” he said.

    In terms of productivity, the House was 97 per cent during the 13 sittings, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his closing speech. The government passed seven bills including the supplementary demands for grants. Earlier, the government was considering taking up 16 bills during the winter session. In Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar said that productivity of the House was 102 per cent. The House held 13 sittings totalling 64 hours 50 minutes.

  • 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.

  • Centre ‘forcefully’ pushing through bills; afraid for future of parliamentary democracy: Mamata

    Banerjee also alleged that at least 16 bills which seek to interfere in state matters have been listed for consideration and passage in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

  • 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.

  • Winter session of UP Assembly from December 5 

    By PTI

    LUCKNOW: The Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly will begin on Monday during which the state government will present its supplementary budget for 2022-23, officials said.

    This is the third session of the year and is likely to have three sittings, they said. Ahead of the session, an all-party meeting was held here on Sunday.

    UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samjawadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were, however, not present in the meeting.

    SP MLA Manoj Pandey, who attended the meeting, told PTI in the presence of Speaker Satish Mahana that his party’s demand to pay condolence to SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav during the session has been accepted.

    “There will be no question hour tomorrow and resolution will be passed to condole Yadav’s death,” Pandey said.

    According to government officials, the state government proposes to present its first supplementary budget for 2022-2023 during the winter session.

    The state government may carry out some legislative business and may also table the ordinances promulgated after the monsoon session of the state legislature.

    LUCKNOW: The Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly will begin on Monday during which the state government will present its supplementary budget for 2022-23, officials said.

    This is the third session of the year and is likely to have three sittings, they said. Ahead of the session, an all-party meeting was held here on Sunday.

    UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samjawadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were, however, not present in the meeting.

    SP MLA Manoj Pandey, who attended the meeting, told PTI in the presence of Speaker Satish Mahana that his party’s demand to pay condolence to SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav during the session has been accepted.

    “There will be no question hour tomorrow and resolution will be passed to condole Yadav’s death,” Pandey said.

    According to government officials, the state government proposes to present its first supplementary budget for 2022-2023 during the winter session.

    The state government may carry out some legislative business and may also table the ordinances promulgated after the monsoon session of the state legislature.

  • Top Congress leaders to meet on Saturday to evolve strategy for Winter session of Parliament 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Top Congress leaders will hold deliberations on Saturday on the party’s strategy to corner the government during the Winter session of Parliament starting December 7.

    Sources said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, chief whip of the party in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh and party’s chief whip in Lok Sabha K Suresh will meet at the residence of former party chief Sonia Gandhi on Saturday evening to evolve the strategy.

    Former union ministers P Chidambaram and Manish Tewari are also likely to attend the meeting at Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence, as she is the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party.

    This will be the first session of Parliament after Kharge took over as the Congress president.

    NEW DELHI: Top Congress leaders will hold deliberations on Saturday on the party’s strategy to corner the government during the Winter session of Parliament starting December 7.

    Sources said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, chief whip of the party in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh and party’s chief whip in Lok Sabha K Suresh will meet at the residence of former party chief Sonia Gandhi on Saturday evening to evolve the strategy.

    Former union ministers P Chidambaram and Manish Tewari are also likely to attend the meeting at Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence, as she is the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party.

    This will be the first session of Parliament after Kharge took over as the Congress president.