The fourth day of the Budget session has seen the Trinamool Congress walking out of the Rajya Sabha in protest over the arrest of its Lok Sabha leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay. The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till Monday.
On Thursday, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government had imposed an “undeclared emergency” and criticism was being suppressed. Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad retaliated that the country had seen widespread corruption and the economy had been in a dire condition during the previous Congress rule.
He speaks of the measures taken to manage the oil spill situation.
Tiruchi Siva seeks a clarification on this. He asks how much oil has spilt. Mr. Mandaviya replies that the operation will be complete in two or three days.
He mentions the machines used to remove the slick.
House stands adjourned till Monday.
"It is for the first time in this government that we have shown military resolve," says Mr. Chandrasekhar referring to 'surgical strikes.'
He describes the Bill. "It is ironic that the UN is struggling to declare Hafiz Saeed a terrorist because 'terrorism' is not defined." He says it is time we define what national interest means. He introduces the Bill in Parliament.
Anand Bhaskar Rapolu rises to speak. "Since the present government cannot stand up to the exigencies of terrorism, the private Member has been made to bring such a Bill. I belong to a party that is known for its sacrifices."
"Your concern is valid," he tells Mr. Chandrasekhar. "This can be taken by the government for further pursuance. But this has happened because of futile exercises which are not diplomatic. This is why a decline in bilateral relations has occurred."
Chair says that the Bill will be carried over as and when the business can be included.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Mansukh L. Mandaviya makes a statement on the collision of ships off Kamarajar Port in Chennai, which caused an oil spill.
Mr. Chaudhary rises to reply. He again asks Mr. Siva to withdraw the Bill. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for Law and Justice says that he appreciates Mr. Siva's concern.
"We will convey these concerns to the Election Commission," he says. "Whenever there is an all-party meeting concerning electoral reforms, we will take these concerns into account." He also asks Mr. Siva to withdraw the Bill.
Mr. Siva withdraws the Bill.
The Chair moves to the The Declaration of Countries as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill, 2016, moved by Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
"On September 18 2016, there was a terror attack in Uri and 19 lives were lost," says Mr. Chandrasekhar. "Bills like these have a purpose. Given that there is incontrovertible evidence that Pakistan supports terrorism, for decades we have been engaged with Pakistan in an attempt to bring them into the mainstream."
The Bill is to declare any country as state sponsor of terrorism and withdraw economic and trade relations with such country and to create legal, economic and travel sanctions for citizens of that country.
Tiruchi Siva says that he finds the Minister's reply unconvincing. He says the HRD Minister and the Law Minister are contradicting each other. "I don't disagree that everyone has a responsibility in conducting elections."
"Teachers are not considered with some concern," says Mr. Siva. "When you are re-recruiting teachers for teaching in universities, why can't you use them as electoral officers? A politician should first have a human approach." He reads the Supreme Court verdict.
"Kindly consider the pain teachers are undergoing in this country," he remarks. He moves that the Bill be passed.
P.P. Chaudhary, MoS for Law and Justice answers that participation of democratic process is a constitutional duty. He also states that using services of teachers for elections is not against the RTE act. He quotes article 51A of the Constitution.
"It is wrong to say that it a wastage of the teachers' time. We are taking staff from government departments and companies too." He requests that Tiruchi Siva withdraw the Bill.
A. Navaneethakrishnan of the AIADMK rises to speak. He says that the Supreme Court has held that election work should to be entrusted to teachers on working days. He reads out the part of the judgment that states this.
He says that teachers should be put on duty during holidays. He does not support the Bill in its present form.
Vijaysai Reddy of the YSR Congress rises to speak. There is no way the apex court judgment can be ignored. "There is a specific prohibition issued by the Supreme Court." He supports the Bill.
Bhushan Lal Jangde of the BJP takes his turn now.
Vijila Sathyananth of the AIADMK rises to speak. "Having been a teacher, I could get the views of teachers."
"Just let teachers concentrate on academic work alone and these activities can be done during vacation time." She supports the Bill.
Sukhendu Sekhar Roy is in the Chair now.
K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao rises to speak. He supports the Bill.
It is Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu's turn now. He speaks about the quality of education in government schools.
L. Ganesan of the BJP rises to discuss the Bill. He says that Central Government staff should be used for Assembly elections.
He remarks on the counting system. But he doesn't support the Bill.
Mr. Siva reads out statistics about employability of recent graduates.
"In the U.S., local citizens can volunteer at polling booths," he says. "In Australia, the Election Commission employs around 80,000 persons for a short term basis and are compensated accordingly."
Chair asks what the control over such employees is. Mr. Siva introduces the Bill.
Viplove Thakur rises to support the Bill. She says this is a very important issue.
Tiruchi Siva of the DMK rises to introduce his Constitutional Amendment Bill. His Bill is on the use of teachers by the Election Commission to conduct elections. He contends that this takes teachers away from the classrooms.
Mr. Siva says that there are a lot of vacancies in teacher positions at both school and university levels. Chair looks around for HRD Minister for an answer. Minister isn't available. Chair asks Minister M.J. Akbar to convey the message to the Ministry. Mr. Siva thanks the Chair that the Ministry has been informed.
Mr. Siva says there is a huge pool of non-teaching staff and retired teachers who can carry out non-educational duties.
House reconvenes. Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien is in the Chair. Private Members' Bills are to be introduced now.
But many MPs, whose Bills were to be introduced, are absent. Jairam Ramesh rises a point of order: "Under which Rule is a Bill is categorised as a Financial Bill Category 'A'? Under which Rule does the Rajya Sabha refer to Law and Justice Ministry on whether private Members' Bill is a Financial Bill 'A'?"
Chair clarifies that a Money Bill is decided by the Speaker and answers that it is a procedural matter done in the Secretariat and will not be discussed in the House.
House reconvenes. Saugata Roy rises the issue of Sudip Bandhopadhyay's arrest. Interruptions abound.
House is adjourned till Monday.
Vijila Sathyananth asks a question on BSNL broadband performance quality, and says private players give better connectivity. "Will BSNL and MTNL upgrade their equipment?"
Ravi Shankar Prasad answers that BSNL is improving its services. "We take note of your suggestions about any specific area. The human resource component of BSNL and MTNL is 50 per cent of their costs. In natural calamities, it is only these public bodies which give services." The IT Minister gives an update on the laying of optic fibre cables across the country.
Tiruchi Siva asks a question on whether the Government is aware of the problems being faced due to the conversion and diversion of agricultural land towards non-agricultural uses, which has led to a shrinkage in the agricultural output. "Kindly seek that no more agricultural land is convertedfor non-agricultural purposes."
House is adjourned till 2.30 p.m.
Satyanarayan Jatiya asks a question on cleanliness in railway stations. Narendra Jadhav adds a question on what the railways is doing to improve the accessibility of railway stations. Railway Minister says they have set targets for both cleanliness and accessibility. Majid Memon says there should be lifts or escalators in all stations.
Viplove Thakur asks why there are no escalators in New Delhi station.
The Bill is illegal because the basic statement by Prime Minister on November 8 announcing demonetisation was illegal, says Saugata Roy. Mr. Jaitley says that Mr. Roy's objection doesn't stand. "But his objection is that November 8 notification was not under rule, which is also incorrect."
Leave is granted to introduce the Bill.
"There would be no Zero Hour today," says the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.
A motion is brought to thank the President for his address to the joint session of Parliament.
House is adjourned till 1 p.m.
Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya moves to withdraw the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2016. N.K. Premachandran opposes the withdrawal of the Bill.
Mr. Dattatreya says he is introducing a new Bill for the same. He asks for leave to withdraw the Bill. The House assents and the Bill is withdrawn.He introduces the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
Arun Jaitley rises to table an explanation on the immediate promulgation of the promulgation of the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Ordinance, 2016. He then introduces the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017.
"There will be no selling of pharma companies to foreign players," states the Minister. "There is no problem of access to essential medicines."
House reconvenes. Speaker disallows various notices of adjournment. Papers are laid on the table.
MPs request topics to be included for discussion next week. The Business Advisory Committee will decide on these requests.
MoS Pon Radhakrishnan makes a statement regarding the oil spill on the Tamil Nadu coast. "Massive operations have been launched with 2,000 persons involved. ONGC, Coast Guard, NGOs and district administrations are being trained and deployed for coastline cleaning."
Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) raises the issue of the handling of E. Ahamed's death. "I hear of interference from highest authorities. If it is correct, action must be taken. How was life support system put without closest relatives' permission? Leaders, relatives were not allowed to see him. I ask you to start an investigation." LoP says this can be discussed tomorrow.
Question Hour begins
Chairman Hamid Ansari takes the Chair. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu answers a question on online booking and cancellation of tickets.
Mansukh L. Mandaviya, MoS for Chemicals and Fertilizers answers a question on the decision to sell Government's majority stake in Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (BCPL) and Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd. D. Raja of CPI who asked the question, states that he doesn't accept the answer, and asks a supplementary question.
Anand Sharma says that there have been attempts over years to take over Indian pharmaceutical production capacities. "Now, we don't even have FIPB. What prevents our pharmaceutical companies from being acquired by overseas players?"
"After 65 years of continuous observance of Saraswati Puja," says Mr. Dasgupta, "I think it's a matter of shame that restrictions have been placed on the media for trying to cover it. We seek religious freedom for all communities in the state. There were restrictions placed on immersion during Durga Pooja too."
K.K. Ragesh of Kerala CPI(M) speaks about Nitaqat law in Saudi Arabia, saying that Indian workers from Kerala have been affected by it. "25 per cent of households in Kerala depend on income from the Gulf. The problem of Gulf returnee workers will affect the state of Kerala in a big way. I request the central government for action."
Chhaya Verma of the Congress states that Rajiv Gandhi's name has been removed from Sadbhavna Divas since 2015. "Rajiv Gandhi is a former Prime Minister and a martyr," says Anand Sharma of the Congress. "The country had declared his birth anniversary as Sadbhavna Divas. His photograph was removed from 2014. The govt. is naming schemes after people who have done nothing, who have never been in govt."
Mr. Naqvi responds that Mr. Sharma wants "a family's monopoly on everything. Millions have contributed to India. One family and party monopoly is not possible now."
Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad says that those who have won the country its freedom have been ignored for the past two and a half years. "Those who have made no contribution are finding their names brought in because of ruling party connections. Rajiv Gandhi played a role in sending the peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka. He gave up his life for the country's unity and integrity. You can't treat those with no contribution as their equals."
Majid Memon of the Nationalist Congress Party states that the Budget 2017-18 does not have a mention of the power loom industry in the country.
"My ministry conducted many meetings with the industry," says Ms. Irani. "I cannot currently make declarations because of code of conduct for polls. Minorities are also affected. I will tell about benefits to the industry after code of conduct is lifted."
Swapan Dasgupta rises to speak on Saraswati Puja in West Bengal. Derek O'Brien gets up and says RSS is trying to create polarisation. Interruptions abound.
"I only allowed Sharad Yadav to express his stance. I'm not accepting the notice," says the Chair.
Zero Hour begins
Ritabrata Banerjee of the CPI(M) states that the Andaman Cellular Jail should be brought under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Kahkashan Perween of the JD(U) speaks about the holding of NEET.
Ripun Bora of the Assam Congress draws the attention of the government of the delay of the National Registry of Citizens.
Lok Sabha convenes and Question Hour begins. Opposition seeks time, but the Speaker says time will be granted after Question Hour.
House is adjourned till 12 noon.
House convenes. Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien takes the Chair. Papers are laid on the table.
"A letter has been received from Kunal Kumar Ghosh, stating that he is unable to attend the current session," Chair reads out.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi reads out the statement regarding government business.
Derek O'Brien rises to protest the "illegal arrest" of Trinamool Congress' Lok Sabha leader. Textile Minister Smriti Irani interrupts saying she wants to raise a point of order.
"An individual was named yesterday, by Derek O'Brien," states Ms. Irani. She asks the Chair to expunge the name.
"We have given two notices," Mr. O'Brien says. "The illegal arrest of the Lok Sabha leader of the Trinamool Congress, and we want this House to maintain silence for 120 deaths."
Mr. Naqvi interrupted saying Mr. O'Brien was wasting the House's time. Mr. O'Brien remarked that those who made citizens line up for hours should not mention time. Trinamool Congress walks out of the House in protest.
Sharad Yadav rises to speak about the law commission writing on common civil code. "How is it asking this in a diverse country. Has there been persuasion of groups? These are constitutional rights? Law commission has not sought social consensus."
Being a Friday, today is the day both Houses usually see the introduction of private Members' Bills. Here is the list of business for the day.
Rajya Sabha
Bills to be introduced
1. The Compulsory Health Insurance for Senior Citizens, Mentally Retarded Children and Disabled Persons Bill, 2016.
2. The Youth (Eradication of Unemployment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2016.
3. The Water Conservation Authority of India Bill, 2016.
4. The High Courts (Use of Official Languages) Bill, 2016.
5. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of articles 109,117, 198 and 207).
6. The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016.
7. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of article 324).
8. The National Waterways (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
9. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of article 51A).
10. The Central Himalayan States Development Council Bill, 2016.
11. The Voluntary Organisation (Regulation) Bill, 2016.
12. The Abolition of Capital Punishment Bill, 2016.
13. The Children with Specific Learning Disabilities (Identification and Support in Education) Bill, 2016.
14. The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
15. The Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
16. The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
17. The Indian Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
18. The Right to Adequate Housing Bill, 2016.
19. The Surrogate Advertisements (Prohibition) Bill, 2016.
20. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
21. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (Amendment of article 366).
22. The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
23. The Population (Stabilization) Bill, 2017.
24. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (Insertion of new articles 275A and 371K).
25. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015 (Amendment of article 324).
26. The Women (Equal Participation in Decision Making) Bill, 2015.
27. The Declaration of Countries as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill, 2016.
28. The Drugs (Price Control) Bill, 2014.
29. The Girl Child and Adolescent Girls (Protection from Malnutrition, Anaemia, Diseases and Welfare)) Bill, 2014.
30. The Medical Consultancy and Other Services (Rationalisation of Fees) Bill, 2013.
Lok Sabha
Bill to be withdrawn
- The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Bills to be introduced
1. The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017
2. The Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017
3. Comptroller and Auditor General‟s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2016 (Amendment of section 2, etc.)
4. High Court at Allahabad (Establishment of a Permanent Bench at Gorakhpur) Bill, 2015.
5. Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015.
6. Orphan Child (Provision of Social Security) Bill, 2016.
7. Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of article 309).
8. Working Elephants (Protection and Welfare) Bill,2016.
9. Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of article 80).
10. Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Insertion of new section 39).
11. Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Insertion of new Part XA).
12. Population Control Bill, 2016.
13. High Court at Patna (Establishment of a Permanent Bench at Bhagalpur) Bill, 2016.
14. Special Financial Assistance to the Victims of Terror Attacks Bill, 2016.
15. Compulsory Teaching of Bhagavad Gita as a Moral Education Text Book in Educational Institutions Bill, 2016.
16. Financial Assistance to Unemployed Post-Graduates Bill, 2016.
17. Victims of Riots and Communal Violence (Equal Compensation) Bill, 2016.
18. Special Financial Assistance to the National Capital Territory of Delhi Bill, 2016
19. Payment of Pension to Farmers in Drought Affected Areas Bill, 2016.
20. Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of sections 126 and 127).
21. Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Insertion of new section 376F).
22. Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (Amendment of article 243D)
23. Youth (Development and Welfare) Bill, 2016.
24. Payment of Subsistence Allowance to Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Bill, 2016.
25. Victims of Natural Calamities (Rehabilitation and Financial Assistance) Bill, 2016.
... and many more.
Also, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will table a paper showing the reasons for the immediate promulgation of the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Ordinance, 2016.
