President Pranab Mukherjee, in his address to a joint session of Parliament, called upon all MPs to discharge their responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation.
He also declared that the government would strive for smooth and constructive conduct of Parliamentary business.
The government has prioritised 32 items for the session, which includes 11 Bills pending in Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha.
A discussion on higher education institutions, dealing with the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula and the JNU sedition case has been fixed for February 24, where the first showdown between the government and the Opposition is expected to take place. >More...>
As it happened:
President Pranab Mukherjee addresses both the Houses:
12:13 pm: Democratic temper calls for debate and discussion, and not disruption or obstruction.
12:11 pm: The Govt. played a proactive role in addressing climate change by launching International Solar Alliance.
12:05 pm: The Govt. has fulfilled its commitment to implement the demand of One Rank One Pension (OROP).
12:03 pm: We are working to ensure that our Armed Forces are equipped with the most capable and sophisticated armaments in the world.
12:03 pm: Defence procurement procedure has been streamlined with a focus on indigenously designed, developed and manufactured weapon systems.
12:02 pm: Firm and effective steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism.
12:01 pm: Inflation, fiscal deficit and current account deficit have decreased. India recorded its highest ever foreign exchange reserves in 2015.
11:59 am: The GDP growth has increased, making India the world’s fastest growing economy among large economies.
11:58 am: India is a haven of stability in an increasingly turbulent global economy.
11:55 am: Building upon the success over the past year, the Govt.'s endeavour is to scale new heights in space research.
11:53 am: The setting up of world-class infrastructure for electronics manufacturing across the country remains a priority.
11:52 am: Domestic air passenger traffic has registered a substantial growth during the year.
11:48 am: By March 2019, under PMGSY, one lakh seventy eight thousand rural habitations will be connected with all weather roads.
11:47 am: Highest ever increase in rail capital expenditure was achieved in 2015.
11.45 am: The Govt. introduced dynamic and comprehensive reforms in Coal sector and conducted transparent auction/ allocation of over 70 coal blocks
11.44 am: My Govt. has launched Start-Up India campaign which would deepen, expand and support innovation eco system in country.
11.43 am: Assistance to farmers afflicted by natural calamity has been increased by 50% and eligibility norms have been relaxed.
11.40 am: The Govt. has envisaged increasing the renewable energy capacity manifold to 175 GW by 2022.
11:29 am: 'Make in India' initiative has achieved 39 per cent increase in FDI inflow despite adverse global investment climate.
11:22 am: Rural development is one of our top priorities.
11:20 am: Highest urea production was achieved in 2015. The Govt. realises the role of animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors.
11:18 am: Government is committed to the philosophy of 'per drop, more crop'.
11:16 am: The well being of farmers is vital to the nation's prosperity.
11:10 am: The Govt. is committed to provide 'Housing for All'.
11:08 am: The Govt. is placed in making this goal possible through financial inclusion and social security.
11:07 am: My Govt. is also focused on ' Garibon Ki Unnati ', ' Kisano Ki Samridhi ' and ' Yuvaon Ka Rozgar '.
11:06 am: My Govt. is focused on the welfare of poor, farmers and jobs for the youth.
11:05 am: Development philosophy is captured in ' Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas '.
10:47 am: President Pranab Mukherjee leaves for Parliament House, to address both the Houses.
10:50 am: Opposition has show positive attitude, says the Prime Minister
10:45 am: I wish the session will be fruitful and there is constructive criticism as well: Modi
10:41 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Parliament.
10:18 am: A Bill which faces objections needs to be discussed and then taken a decision on: Mallikarjun Kharge
10:04 am: The govt. serious about a fruitful Budget session. All parties promised that they will help Parliament function: Venkaiah Naidu
10:03 am: We're ready to discuss all issues, whether it's JNU, Hyderabad University issue, Pathankot, or the Jat reservation: Venkaiah Naidu
9:40 am: ' Hope the session functions properly, [we are] ready to debate on any issue raised by the Opposition, says MoS Parliamentary Affairs Naqvi.
9:38 am: BJP Parliamentary Party executive meeting scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m.
9:27 am: BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi gives notice on JNU row and Ishrat Jahan case in the Lok Sabha.
(With inputs from Agencies)
