Both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha convened for the 10th day on Friday. Before starting the proceedings, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Hamid Ansari paid > rich tributes to noted writer Mahasweta Devi.
The Rajya Sabha discussed status of implementation of the A.P. Reorganisation Act 2014. The Congress walked out, expressing dissatisfaction. The Lok Sabha discusses a government resolution to approve recommendations of the Railway Convention Committee and will continue on a later date.
The Lower House also took up private member's business (resolution) on steps to ensure proper pension for EPFO members.
The Upper House discusses and rejects a private member resolution moved by D. Raja against death penalty.
As it happened:
6.27 pm: The House is adjourned for the day.
6.25 pm: Reddy wants the concerned Minister to be there while moving the resolution. He says it's absurd to move in the absence a Cabinet Minister. Chair tells Reddy that the resolution will be taken in the next sitting.
6.22 pm: T. Subbarami Reddy of the Congress moves prive member resolution for speedy economic development and higher growth to make it to the top economies.
6.21 pm: Resolution is put to vote, House rejects it by voice vote.
6.18 pm: Let history be judge, says Raja when asked by the Chair whether he is withdrawing the resolution. Chair gently asks why don't you withdraw. Raja stands by his position and wants the House to vote.
6.17 pm: When we seek leniency for our citizens from other countries, why shouldn't we extend that to our own citizens, says Raja.
6.16 pm: Instead of death penalty we should look at jail reforms and police reforms, says Raja.
6.13 pm: Raja refers to the earlier resolutions against death penalty by Pritviraj kapoor and Savitri Devi Nigam.
6.12 pm: Why should we follow China on death penalty, says Raja. We should say an emphatic no to death penalty.
6.09 pm: D. Raja rises for his concluding remarks. Says we should decide if we have to adhere international norms on rights or not.
6.07 pm: U.N. resolution against death penalty doesn't infringe on the sovereignty of any state. Circumstances in which we live do not warrant abolition of death penalty, says Rijiju.
6.04 pm: Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha has adjourned for the day.
5.56 pm: And Jatiya didn't disappoint. MoS Home Kiren Rijiju rises to reply.
5.55 pm: Satyanarayan Jatiya speaks on the resolution. We can expect copiuous quotes in Sanskrit.
5.52 pm: SP's Chaudhary Munvver Saleem from U.P. speaks on the resolution, quotes Abdul Kalam and V.R. Krishna Iyer against death penalty.
5.50 pm: INC's Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu of Telangana support's D. Raja's resolution.
5.45 pm: Remission of death sentence is a right of the State govt. But the Centre is usurping the power, says Navaneethakrishnan.
5.43 pm: A. Navaneethakrishnan of the AIADMK, a former Attorney-General of Tamil Nadu, speaks on the discussion.
5.41 pm: T.K.S. Elangovan of the DMK speaks on the discussion. Says death penalty is not a mechanism to correct a criminal. This will not help in curbing crime, he says.
5.37 pm: Tiruchi Siva of the DMK says India should join 117 countries who have abolished death penalty.
5.30 pm: In the Lok Sabha, BJP member Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand advocates universal pension scheme like Food Security Act.
5.17 pm: RS renews discussion on death penalty after the special Q&A on the missing AN-32.
Private Members' Business (Resolutions) | July 29, 2016 (Part- 1): >https://t.co/tfmOKYGyzs via >@YouTube
— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >July 29, 2016
5.15 pm: Anubhav Mohanty asks if the MoD can assure no further such accidents will happen. Parrikar says we are yet to reach international level on accident avoidance. But, he says, no unfit aircraft will be allowed to fly.
5.12 pm: The Lok Sabha meanwhile is discussing a private member's resolution on safeguarding EPFO Pensioners. CPI(M)'s Sankar Prasad Datta is speaking (in Bengali and no facility to listen the translation in LSTV telecast).
5.10 pm: MoD lists out steps taken by the Navy, vessels employed and agencies involved for the search operation. He says the U.S. has been requested to give sea imagery. But he says he doesn't know exact age of the aircraft.
5.02 pm: Possibility of sabotage is very less, says Parrikar
5 pm: The disappearance was recorded in secondary radar. Primary radar could not go beyond a certain distance, says Parrikar. Pilots said they were deviating due to heavy clouds, he says. It just disappeared... no reactive signal. no SOS, he says.
4.58 pm: Defence Minister Parrikar says he himself was puzzled by the sudden disappearance.
4.57 pm: T.K. Rangarajan endorses Siva's contention. Asks how old was the aircraft and if it was so old why was it still being used.
4.54 pm: A French agency located the blackbox of an aircraft which disappeared in similar circumstances, says Siva and asks whether such agencies have been employed to locate it.
4.51 pm: Tiruchi Siva seeks clarification on the missing IAF aircraft. What happened in the 30 minutes between the last communication and the aircarft's disappearance from radar, says Siva.
4.45 pm: Private Member's resolution on death penalty taken up in Rajya Sabha.
4.17 pm: Is the govt. according Special Status or not, asks Yechury.
4.11 pm: Anubhav Mohanty: Jaitley didn't respond to any of my queries.
4.07 pm: Sukhendu Sekhar Roy of Trinamool raises point of order on Jaitley's referring to federal structure.
4.06 pm: Digvijaya Singh says Congress walks out totally dissatisfied with the Minister's reply.
4.05 pm: A.P.'s case is a developmental issue, let's not make political capital out of it, says jaitley concluding his speech.
Sh. Arun Jaitley’s reply on the discussion concerning the State of Andhra Pradesh: >https://t.co/uEuik2POlO via >@YouTube
— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >July 29, 2016
4.01 pm: Over Rs. 2 lakh crore granted to A.P. under the new Finance Commission architecture, says Jaitley.
3.54 pm: Uttarakhand was given special category because it's a hill State, says Jaitley.
3.51 pm: Special status really means that 90% expenditure of schemes will be borne by Centre as against 60% for normal States, says Jaitley.
3.48 pm: It's very unusual to see an intervention of a Minister when another Minister is replying to a discussion, says Kurien on MoS Chowdhary's intervention.
3.45 pm: I have announced tax rebates for investors in two States in my budget, says Jaitley. Triggers protests from Opposition benches. Kurien tells u kkarunga in Tamil while trying to restrain a member.
3.40 pm: MoS Chowdhary intervenes: Let us pass a resolution to make the Centre to discharge its fiduciary responsibilities to safeguard A.P.
3.35 pm: LS concludes discussion on resolution to approve recommendations of Railway Convention Committee for today; to continue on a later date; now takes up private member bills.
3.33 pm: Jaitley cites imminent approval for Vizag metro, coal blocks and Vijayawada airport as fulfillment of 13th Schedule commitments.
3.31 pm: Jaitley talks about promises made and fulfilled. Lists IIT, NIT, IIM and IISc as achievements. A.P. has finalised site for Central University.
3.27 pm: Jaitley quips: It's an example that Marxists and Marxist MLAs have an identity crisis nowadays.
3.26 pm: CPM leader intervenes to point out an anamoly: "My party MLA in Bhadrachalam, he is in one State, his voters are in other State."
3.23 pm: Finance Minister now explains the commitments given to the two States.
3.21 pm: Jaitley then explains the rationale behind Finance Commission.
3.20 pm: Jaitley lectures on Central and State taxes and India's federal structure before going on to explain how the Centre can extend support to States. He says Centre cannot help a State just because of political reasons.
3.15 pm: A.P. needs a handholding for some period, Centre will fullfil all responsibilities of handholding till the State can handle on its own, says Jaitley.
3.09 pm: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley rises to reply.
3.07 pm: Mohd. Ali Khan of the Congress counters allegations of political benefits in bifuracting A.P.
Sh. Mohd. Ali Khan’s remarks concerning the State of Andhra Pradesh: >https://t.co/Afl89r2BP1 via >@YouTube
— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >July 29, 2016
3.05 pm: In RS, Minister Chowdhary of TDP says 14th Finance Commission in no Bible and that need for special package arose only due to bifurcation.
Sh. Y.S. Chowdary’s remarks concerning the State of Andhra Pradesh: >https://t.co/q4IjzgZ9mK via >@YouTube
— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >July 29, 2016
3.02 pm: Discussion resolution on Railway Convention Committee to continue till 3.30 pm and will be taken up on a later date.
2.58 pm: In the LS, Muniyappa of Congress requests special priority to do away with level crossings.
2.52 pm: Y.S. Chowdhary, MoS Science and Technology, speaks in the RS, accuses Congress of bifurcating A.P. for political benefits.
2.47 pm: K.H.Muniyappa of Congress questions viability of projects like the bullet trains, which he says, is out of bounds for common man.
2.42 pm: In LS, Raliway Minister Suresh Prabhu begins discussion on government resolution to approve recommendations of the First Railway Convention Committee, 2014.
2.40 pm: In RS, Thota Seetharama Lakshmi rises to speak in Telugu.
Smt. Thota Seetharama Lakshmi’s remarks concerning the State of Andhra Pradesh: >https://t.co/8jfwCU19oF via >@YouTube
— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >July 29, 2016
2.39 pm: Lok Sabha reconvenes.
2.37 pm: Lok Sabha TV yet to begin live telecast. House was to convene at 2.30 pm
2.35 pm: Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu of the Congress raises to speak on the discussion.
Sh. Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu’s remarks concerning the State of Andhra Pradesh: >https://t.co/5LGKZtVKSg via >@YouTube
— Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >July 29, 2016
2.30 pm: Rajya Sabha reconvenes, takes up further discussion on AP Reorganisation Act.
1.30 pm: Lok Sabha adjourns to meet again at 2.30 p.m.
1.26 pm: Farmers aren't able to take care of cows when the animals aren't milching. There should be a policy and guidelines for farmers to take care of cows, says BJP member Tathagata Satpathy in the Lok Sabha.
1.15 pm: "I request PM Modi to allocate more funds for Tamil Nadu," says K. Maragatham, AIADMK member.
1.14 pm: Dushyant Chautala of INLD says, "When govt. is trying for a Digital India, WiFi services should be enabled everywhere."
1.07 pm: "On July 8, five Adivasis were killed by police in Odisha’s Khandamal; they need to be provided with compensation," says Jitendra Chaudhury, of the CPI(M).
1.01 pm: Murali Mohan Maganti, TDP member from Andhra Pradesh, requests the govt. to allocate funds for the Rajahmundry Airport.
1.00 pm: AIADMK member K. Ashokkumar of Krishnagiri says, "We need day care centres for construction workers everywhere."
1.00 pm: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2.30 pm.
12.59 pm: BJP MP Raj Kumar Singh says, "Pakistan is sending terrorists to India and Kashmir is suffering from the same. "
12.49 pm: Ananth Kumar, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers says, "Our govt wants to do Direct Benefit Transfer, but there are many challenges in front of us. We may not be able to implement DBT for fertilizers as easily as we did for LPG, since we need to consider all the circumstances before beginning. But we will run a pilot in some places."
12.41 pm: Ramesh Bidhuri, South Delhi BJP MP says, "Many BPL families do not have the option of receiving good medical help. Even poor people should be allowed to consult doctors in bigger hospitals."
12.25 pm: Union Minister Naqvi informs Rajya Sabha that GST Bill is listed for consideration and passage for next week.
12.21 pm: Suresh Prabhu replies, "Any passenger can contact the Railways on real-time basis. Railways has been helpful to passengers in many ways. Once, someone had a medical emergency and they were admitted to a hospital ICU within 15 minutes."
12.20 pm: In Rajya Sabha. Ripun Bora, INC, Assam says, "Due to irregularities, cancer patients from Assam were stranded in trains and some even lost their lives last year."
"I sympathise to all my friends in Assam. We are trying to integrate on social media and will address issues related to emergencies and ticketing," Suresh Prabhu adds.
12.20 pm: In Lok Sabha, MP Mallikarjun Kharge says, "Everyday two Dalits are killed, six are abducted or kidnapped, five houses are burnt. Crimes against Dalits are increasing."
Minister Rajnath Singh promises action against violators.
12.18 pm: "During monsoon, trains stop working when it rains in Mumbai. Are there any measures to improve railways?" asks Maharashtra MP Ajay Sancheti.
Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Railways, says, "Elevated corridors will be built. Talks are on to decrease such issues."
12.14 pm: Radha Mohan Singh says in RS, "We've tabled the measures taken to double farmers' income."
12.07 pm: "I'd like to know if any efforts have been made for a separate budget to increase farmers' income by 2022," asks C.M. Ramesh.
12.03 pm: Lok Sabha progresses to Zero Hour.
12.03 pm: "We have been emphasising on agricultural output instead of farmers' income. But if it is done through electronic trading, farmers income can be increased," says C.M. Ramesh of TDP, Telangana.
12.01 pm: Rajya Sabha proceedings resume.
11.49 am: In Lok Sabha, Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi said that the govt is taking steps for the development of women in reply to PK Sreemathi Teacher, CPI-M, Kannur. "My ministry is totally commited to provide infrastructure to women," she adds. There was a question, "Can't we have a special cell for north-east children?"
11.37 am: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12.00 noon.
11.34 am: Congress MPs charge into well, sloganeering, as they claimed that unparliamentary word/statement was made by Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
11.33 am: Mr. Jaitley says that bringing in more FDI in many sectors is a step taken by the government for better improvements. The system is transparent, and both foreign and domestic investors find India a good place to work in.
11.30 am: Mr. Meghwal says that 'Make in India, Digital India, Startup India' programmes are helpful for India to develop.
11.25 am: With regard to Mr. Hegde's question and MoS (Finance, Corporate Affairs) Arjun Ram Meghwal's reply on the same, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says any investment done isn't against the government.
11.22 am: "We get enough savings from domestic investments. If we can increase small savings somehow to make a difference, please let us know," BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde asks in the Lok Sabha.
11.21 am: Mr. Parrikar said, "We are trying to ensure no defective materials are supplied to armed forces." >Read more.
11.14 am: Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarifies in Rajya Sabha that Newsprint Order notification was laid and it was objected to by Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC) two days ago. She added that it is the matter of her Ministry's credibility. DGFT order was completely different from Newsprint Order that the MP objected to.
11.12 am: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar speaks in Lok Sabha.
11.06 am: Deputy Speaker Kurien is in the Chair.
11.02 am: With the passing of Mahasweta Devi, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Hamid Ansari said, the country has lost the most respected writer and activist. The House rose for a minute in condolence.
11:00 am: Rajya Sabha proceedings begin.
Updates from this week:
Day 9: >Rajya Sabha discusses status implementation of A.P. Reorganisation Act and passes CAMPA bill; Lok Sabha discusses price rise.
Day 8: Lok Sabha >passes Benami Transactions Bill ; Congress walks out of Rajya Sabha expressing displeasure in Food Minister's reply on price rise.
Day 7: Lok Sabha >passes the Child Labour Amendment Bill
Day 6: Lok Sabha >passes the IIT Bill , adjourned for the day.
Day 5: Outrage over Bhagwant Mann's video >derails Parliament for the day.
Day 4: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday >replied in the Rajya Sabha to the discussion on atrocities against Dalits
Day 3: >Discussion on the Kashmir situation took the lead.
Day 2: The Rajya Sabha >discussed the Calling Attention on situation arising due to floods in the country.
Day 1: Burhan Wani was a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist, >said Rajnath Singh.
