On the ninth day of proceedings, the Lok Sabha passed the CVC (Amendment), 2021 and Delhi (Special) Police Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2021, while the Rajya Sabha passed the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
Today, the lower house will take up The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
Here are the updates:
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day
The Lower House will resume at 11 a.m. on Monday.
Rajendra Agrawal, BJP MP from Meerut, U.P., says that the Anganwadi workers have worked as per expectations. "In far away villages, where people do not even have proper facilities to live, the Anganwadi workers ensure that the villagers are aware of the Government programs. This is possible because of the Anganwadi workers," Mr. Agrawal says. He thanks the Anganwadi workers for their service during the coronavirus pandemic.
The new education policy makes Anganwadi more important, the BJP MP says.
Kerala Congress MP, Thomas C. demands better facility for the Anganwadi workers. "Natural and justifiable that their facilities are enhanced," Mr. Thomas says. There are instances where Anganwadi workers have to share the rent because they get minimal compensation for rent, the Kerala Congress MP says, adding, "better sanitation facility must also be provided".
BSP MP from Shrawasti, U.P., Ram Shiromani Verma says that the Anganwadi workers in Uttar Prades do not get proper holidays, nor do they get any proper facility, while they risk their lives to save ours. There is no provision for their pension as well, the BSP MP says, requesting the Government to increase their salary and enhance the facilities that the Anganwadi workers receive.
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day
The Upper House will resume at 11.00 a.m. on Monday.
GDP not important for development: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP from Godda (Jharkhand), says that enough work has not been carried out to deal with various aspects including mal-nutrition. After 2014, the Government changed its stance and Prime Minister Modi contributed in fighting poverty. "But anti-national forces want to throw this government out," the BJP MP says. "Newest in the list is the Global Hunger Index ," Mr. Dubey says.
"GDP is not important for the development of the country," the BJP MP reiterates. "GDP was introduced in 1935, was there no development in the world before 1935," Mr. Dubey asks.
Similarly, Hunger Index is an outdated tool, Mr. Dubey continues. "We should refrain from talking about these indexes in our Parliament," the BJP MP states.
"Anganwadi centres have become nerve-centre of rural development," says NC MP from Anantnag, Hasnain Masoodi .
"Shameful that Anganwadi workers only receive only ₹4,500 monthly. This is painful and something that should be immediately looked into," the NC MP adds. They helped us successfully defeat the CODVID-19 pandemic, we should all agree that ₹4,500 is too less for their services, Mr. Masoodi concludes.
Increase Central incentives for Anganwadi workers: Congress MP Kuriakose
Dean Kuriakose, Congress MP from Idukki (Kerala), says that the Anganwadi scheme was brought in by Indira Gandhi. The Congress MP highlights that the incentives given to the Anganwadi workers is minimal, and in that too the State Government share is more. He asks for increase in Central Government incentive and performance-based incentive for those "who are caring for our children and are their first teachers as well".
He highlights a Niti Aayog report that suggested for better sanitation facility for the Anganwadi workers. Mr. Kuriakose also advocates for infrastructure development for the health workers. "We should also think about smart Anganwadis," the Congress MP says.
Coronavirus taught us the importance of oxygen: BJP's Ajay Pratap Singh
BJP MP from Madhya Pradesh, Ajay Pratap Singh says, "we have to be careful about environment pollution, else human life will become impossible in the furture."
"Coronavirus pandemic taught us the importance of oxygen. If environment is polluted, we will get polluted oxygen and then there will be several pandemics like corona," Mr. Singh says, adding "we need to start being careful right away."
India's contribution to climate change is not immense, but that does not mean we should not take necessary steps towards controlling the climate change, Mr. Singh adds. He says, "climate change is directly impacted by our lifestyle."
Our forefathers were more scientific than us: BJP MP Ram Chander Janghra
Speaking on environment pollution, Ram Chander Janghra, BJP MP from Haryana, says "our forefathers were more scientific than us". "But if we say this today, some liberals will say we're against a certain religion," the BJP MP adds.
"Even during those times, people used to encounter diseases. But our elders would quarantine the whole village, organise a yagya, and the smoke of that yagya would drive the disease away," Mr. Janghra elaborates.
Discussion on Private Members' Business starts in Lok Sabha
Jagdambika Pal (BJP MP from Domariyaganj, Uttar Pradesh) addresses the house on 'Welfare measures for Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers'.
Mr. Pal enumerates the contribution of Anganwadi workers especially during the time of COVID-19.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Anganwadi workers went from door to door to promote the health protocols in place, Mr. Pal says. He congratulates the Angandwadi workers for establishing coordination with other health sector workers like ASHA helping people out at a time when family-members were scared to take care of their own relatives.
Mr. Pal lauds the Central Government for "providing smart phones to Anganwadi workers for efficient service delivery".
India's climate is changing
Ganesh Singh (BJP) is the last member to address the house on climate change during this discussion. Pointing out the issue of rising temperatures as well as rising sea levels. "Climate of India is changing," he says.
Urges the Minister of Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change to find an effective solution for tree-felling for use of cooking fuel.
Danish Ali (BSP), Aparupa Poddar (AITC) address the house on climate change. Ms. Poddar enquires whether the government has any plan to ascertain land available for afforestation, and what steps have been taken to address the issue of "climate migration"
Orders passed to benefit automobile sector
Bhartruhari Mahtab speaks on the recent order by NGT to ban vehicles more than 10 years old is, calling it a "blanket order" passed without taking into consideration other factors including kilometers travelled. "Only to promote the automobile sector", says Mr. Mahtab (BJD)
Pointing out that there are very few States who produce energy using renewable resources, he urges to formulate a plan to realise the 'zero emission' promise made by the Prime Minister at Glasgow.
"Today there is a need for climate justice and climate friendly lifestyle," he says adding that singling out coal won't help anyone.
In Air Quality Commission Act, we have decriminalised stubble burning and have alloted land for decomposition in Punjab, Haryana and U.P., Bhupender Yadav informs the house. In future we aim to use stubble for bio-fuel, he adds
'Do not burden the farmers'
Harsimrat Kaur Badal (SAD) says that climate change is an important issue in a country which depends on agriculture. "Effect of climate change is most on an agriculture State like ours," she says.
Ms. Badal speaks on the various issues faced by farmers in the process of agriculture including high diesel costs and groundwater depletion, raising the issue of pollution being blamed on Stubble burning by farmers. "Do not burden the farmers," she says adding that government should come up with a solution to stubble burning.
'Facing a very serious crisis'
"Western world must own responsibility and ensure reduction of emissions and then teach India about climate change," Suresh Kodikunnil (INC) says in the lower house.
Mr. Kodikunnil speaks to highlight the environmental problems being faced by his constituency, which have decimated cultivation livelihood due to saltwater flooding. Suggests remedial measures.
Shiv Pratap Shukla (BJP) in Rajya Sabha appreciates the efforts put forth by the Prime Minister to encourage adoption of Electric Vehicle.
Thomas Chazhikadan, KC(M), speaks on the perpetual Human-animal conflict in Kerala resulting in loss of human lives and damage to crops, highlighting that the national average of 19% forest cover is maintained by large forest cover in South Indian states
'Environment capital in northeast is unique'
Agatha Sangma (NPP) speaks about biodiversity in Meghalaya and they have to be protected. Our environment capital in northeast is unique. She raises the issue of palm oil mission, which she claims will be a disaster for northeastern region. Please reconsider this mission, she tells the Minister. She elaborates on the concept of environment state, how it is implemented in Meghalaya by her government in the State.
She quotes Kahlil Gibran - 'Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky, We fell them down and turn them into paper,That we may record our emptiness' That's the best way to conclude, says the Chair.
Rajya Sabha proceedings resume
Rajya Sabha proceedings resume.
Private Members' Business discussion starts in the Rajya Sabha.
Amee Yajnik (INC) speaks in the house on environmental concerns in the country.
"There is some kind of lethargy in controlling the pollution," she says.
'Incentivise electric vehicles'
Navneet Rana (Independent MP) quotes an NGO report and says 80% of potable water is already polluted. Look at Yamuna in Delhi and Meethi in Mumbai, it is not touched even by animals! Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, she says. Mumbai is also not any better, she claims.
Ms. Rana suggests government to give heavy subsidy to electric, solar and CNG vehicles so that they can replace petrol/diesel vehicles.
'Industries flouting environmental norms'
Hanuman Beniwal speaks about climate change has affected Rajasthan. How the weather pattern has changed over the years, affecting farmers and wildlife. He blames industries for pollution. He specifically mentions a cement plant in his constituency that has flouted environmental norms, according to him. He requests the Ministry to conduct an inquiry.
Thirumaa Valavan Thol (VCK) addresses the house on Climate Change in Tamil
K. Navas Kani (IUML) addresses the house on Climate Change in Tamil
Tapir Gao (BJP), says that the discussion in the house should focus on the decisions taken during Glasgow Summit, and on how the States plan to contribute towards the different goals envisaged by the PM during COP26.
"Every individual needs to think of what they will be leaving behind for the future generations," he says highlighting that we need to learn from tribals in this scientific age on how to cohabit with the environment.
Rajendra Dhedya Gavit (SS) raises the issue of impact of large-scale projects on the environment and on the tribals living in the area.
Sougata Ray (AITC) directs several questions to the Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, including the status of funding to achieve the agreements reached during Glasgow conference.
"All over the world urgent action is needed," Mr. Ray says. "Time is running out," he adds.
"We have to raise the quality of living of poor people but we cannot do it at the cost of environment, " Mr. Ray says promising support if the government takes "cogent steps" to mitigate climate change.
Withdraw anti-environmental laws
Benny Behanan (INC) from Chalakudy during the discussion says, "Climate change is not an issue of the future, but climate has already changed and is changing."
Highlighting that the rainfall is expected to increase in the coming years along the Western Ghats , and the increasing frequency of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal region, Mr. Behanan says "Such extreme climate changes might devastate the State and the nation"
"Attitude of government both at Centre and State is totally negative and risking the lives of present generation as well as the future generations," he adds.
Mr. Behanan urges the government to withdraw anti-environmental laws, including EIA 2020.
Jagdambika Pal (BJP), is currently speaking in the lower house on climate change. He puts forth the the example of recent heavy rains and flooding in Tamil Nadu and Kerala as an impact of climate change.
Mr. Pal is highlights the 5 points put forth by the Prime Minister during the Glasgow Conference
He questions the provisions made by the Delhi government to tackle the problem of air pollution. "Does Supreme Court need to pull up the Delhi government everyday?" Mr. Pal says adding that all States need to work together to tackle environmental pollutions instead of resorting blame games.
Hasnain Masoodi (J&KNC) continuing the discussion in the lower house says, "On international front we have not been able to negotiate a fair deal, what is being demanded by the developed nations is that we should now preserve our resources for them"
Mr. Masoodi highlights the status of Dachigam national park which is being impacted because of cement plants in the State.
"There has to be a shift to sustainable development," he says.
Rajya Sabha adjourned
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2:30 pm.
On women farmers and agri. labourers
Kailash Choudhary, MoS for Agriculture, as a response to a question, says that women agricultural labourers are included under many schemes to ease their financial burden. Under many central govt. schemes, woman farmers are provided financial help and training in the field.
D. Ravikumar (DMK) from Viluppuram continues the discussion on Climate change in Tamil
Concept of development needs to be changed
N.K. Premachandran (RSP) continues on the discussion on Climate Change. "It is having a direct effect of developmental process of the country," he says.
Mr. Premachandran recalls the 2021 Glasgow conference and its various suggestions approved under it.
"There is a dilution of the basic principle. For the last 30 years the principle of equity is diluted and lost," Mr. Premachandran says. "We have to express our concern over this issue.
Differentiation between developed and developing countries is being changed. Concept of 'major economies' has been brought forth, Mr. Premachandran highlights.
Carbon emission from a person living in 27 storey building and an adivasi living in Attappadi colony in Kerala cannot be equated together, he says adding that the "rich is hiding behind the poor"
Equity should be key to any agreement, Mr. Premachandran reiterates. "Emission of the past affects the future," he says.
Mr. Premachandran lays down certain suggestions including binding commitments from historical polluters to deal with environmental problems in developing countries and reviewing of the country's coal policy.
"We need an action today, not tomorrow," Mr. Premachandran says concluding his speech
Ramesh Bidhuri (BJP) highlights the different plans and targets set up by the Central government to deal with climate change, including Electric Vehicles and '0 emission' target of 2070
Jaya Bachchan, MP (SP) says that Mr Goyal doesn't give answers to any questions, and he just beats around the bush, to which Mr Goyal says that he is known to speak to the point. Yogi Adityanath govt. has been extremely successful and U.P. govt. is seeing 'Acche Din' because of the BJP govt.
AP State government should also extend the cooperation
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, says that the govt. is committed to the development of Andhra Pradesh. But, for the development to happen, the State government should also extend the cooperation. The union govt. alone cannot do everything, he says, to a question on lack of developmental projects in the State.
Discussion on Climate Change begins in Lok Sabha
Ramesh Bidhuri (BJP) starts off the discussion on Climate Change in the house.
Many countries have brought legislations to deal with air pollution, the previous government did not do anything for 30 years, Mr. Bidhuri allleges.
Mr. Bidhuri brings up the subject of Bhopal Gas Tragedy and Warren Anderson.
Mr. Bidhuri highlights the different projects undertaken by the Prime Minister, during his time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
On disinvestment
Disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) has been a continuous process. This is not only the BJP govt.'s doing. Disinvestment of Concor has been going on since 1994-95, says Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minster of Railways, to a question in Rajya Sabha.
Motion for election of one member of Lok Sabha to the All India institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bilaspur passes in the Lok Sabha
Question Hour begins in Rajya Sabha
Zero Hour is over in Rajya Sabha. Question Hour begins.
"With regard to NRI who have come back to India, our focus is on getting them back, in restoring their jobs, and payments due to them are given back, " Minister of External Affairs responds to a question on Emigrants Job Loss Due to COVID-19
On Chabhar Port
Question asked on the impact of the sanctions on the Chabhar Port project
"This agreement was signed in 2016, possession was taken in 2018. Terminal is fully functional. U.S. sanctions are not relevant to this project at all," Minister of External Affairs responds.
Chabhar Port project agreements are limited to Iran. "In terms of port operations we are not required to agreement with government of Afghanistan," he says.
We have not been doing enough about Mental Health
K.C. Ramamurthy, BJP MP from Karnataka appeals to the govt. to give importance to mental health by encouraging more students to take up psychology. Mental Health is a real issue, and we have not been doing enough about it, he says.
On Madurai AIIMS
Question asked on the status of the completion of Madurai AIIMS
"For the Madurai project, the loan has been taken through a Japan International corporation agency, for which certain procedures and time is required. An executive agency has also been appointed. For students, a suitable temporary infrastructure has been requested. We provide Madurai the same level of importance and priority," Bharati Pawar, MoS responds.
'Stepmotherly attitude towards Kannada'
G.C. Chandrashekar, INC MP, Karnataka, says that the govt. has been showing a stepmotherly attitude towards Kannada since the BJP govt. came to power. "When a language dies, we lose the ecosystem around the language," he says. He appeals to the govt. to allocate budget depending on the number of people who speak a particular language as opposed to giving undue importance to Sanskrit when only a small number of people are dependent on Sanskrit.
Video conferencing will help deal with pendency of cases
"In 21 High Courts we have implemented rules for video conferencing. We are in trial mode so that we can provide a uniform video conferencing across all courts of the country,"Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Law and Justice says in response to a question.
Video conferencing has helped litigants and lawyers. In future it will help deal with pendency of cases, he says.
Provide ID card to those working for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Dr. Narendra Jadhav, nominated MP, says that even though the govt. came up with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014, the ground-level workers who work for the Abhiyan are not included in the list, and they have not been provided with the mandatory ID card. He urges the govt. to recognise these workers as labourers to prevent from any exploitation.
'Govt. only builds medical colleges across the country, doesn't track progress'
Rewati Raman Singh, Uttar Pradesh MP (SP) says that this govt. only builds medical colleges across the country but does not make sure about the college's and the hospital's progress. In Motilal Nehru Hospital, Allahabad there are no requirements for basic heart surgery.
"Government has taken number of initiatives to provide psychological support," Bharati Pawar, MoS says in response to a question regarding status of psychological help for elderly people in wake of COVID-19.
Started helplines and issued guidelines, and have also launched a website. We have also provided training through Diksha platform to provide psychological support, Ms. Pawar informs the house.
"Only 84.13 crore is approved under Mental health programme. This amount is meagre," says Thirunavukkarasar Su, asking about the government's budgetary plans for Mental Healthcare.
"At least 4 lakh districts are getting amount alloted to them. We have three institutes at tertiary level in Bengaluru, Assam and Ranchi, and amount alloted for them is about Rs. 600 crore. Once the proposal comes from the district level, the government according allots the money," Bharati Pawar, MoS responds.
Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha begins
Rakesh Sinha, BJP MP, says that there are thousands of manuscripts in the country, and these manuscripts reflect the country's history and culture. He appeals to the union govt. to establish manuscript research centres in the country. He also requests the govt. to bring back Indian manuscripts from other countries.
Rajiv Singh Ranjan, JD (U) asks on the severity of the new variant.
"There are currently 23 Omicron cases in the country, and every morning the expert group holds a discussion tracking the progress of the variant, and the status of resources in the country," Mr. Mandaviya responds.
On COVID-19 vaccine doses
N.K. Premachandran (RSP), asks about the booster dose policy of the country
Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya responds, "We want that as soon as possible the country achieves 100% vaccination." India has done "best", Mr. Mandaviya, comparing the vaccination rates to other countries.
"India has completed 86% of the first dose," he says. Mr. Mandaviya says that the country trusts its scientists and the booster policy will go ahead based on their suggestions following appropriate research
Rajya Sabha proceedings begin
Rajya Sabha begins. The Deputy Chairman says that today marks the 73rd anniversary of the adaptation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He says that the theme is finding solutions to the deep-rooted problems of discrimination in the country, and we should work towards upholding basic human rights. It is our responsibility to be inclusive, and let us reiterate our unwavering commitment to do the same.
Lok Sabha proceedings start
"On November 1, Omicron virus was found in India through genome sequencing. All over the world, vaccines are being studied to see which vaccines are effective against the virus," Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya responds to a question.
Legislative Business for December 10, 2021 is as follows:
Lok Sabha:
Government Business
1. Nirmala Sitharaman to move The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
2. Further discussion on climate change raised by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on 8th December, 2021.
Private Members' Business
3. Gaddam Ranjith Reddy to move for 'Formulation of a comprehensive national policy for procurement of foodgrains, etc.'
4. Shashi Tharoor to move 'Steps to mitigate the impact of climate change.'
Rajya Sabha:
1. Papers to be laid on the table.
2. Private Members' Business
Day 9 Recap
Proceedings in both the houses began with the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presenting a statement on the IAF chopper crash incident.
TMC walked out of Rajya Sabha after Deputy Chairman refused to allow opposition members to pay condolences to family of Gen. Bipin Rawat and 12 others.
During the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla spontaneously decided to allow as many women MPs as possible to raise their issues in the House.
The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was passed in the Rajya Sabha.
After replying to the objections of the Opposition, the CVC (Amendment), 2021 and Delhi (Special) Police Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2021 were passed in the Lok Sabha.
