A day after both Houses of the Parliament were adjourned over Opposition's protests against the new farm laws, Rajya Sabha members have come to a consensus on when to discuss the farmers' protests and surrounding issues in the House.
Five extra hours have been added to the duration of discussion in Rajya Sabha on a motion thanking the President for his address to the joint sitting of Parliament to allow debate on the farmers' protest against three agri reform legislations.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned repeatedly today as the protesting opposition members demanded a separate discussion on the farm laws issue.
Here are the latest updates:
Speaker says zero hour is the time when members can put issues of importance to their constituents and that time should not be spent in such protests.
Arjun Ram Meghwal says debating Motion of Thanks to President is a constitutional responsibility and that opposition leaders had said they would participate.
Adhir Choudhary (INC) says the opposition is willing to debate but the issue of farmers should also be allowed. Delhi has been turned into a fortress with nails dug into entry points just to thwart farmers.
Speaker adjourns Lok Sabha for the day as protests continue.
Lok Sabha reconvenes. Speaker Om Birla asks consent to extend the day’s sitting. He asks if it can be put to vote.
Opposition still protesting over farm laws.
Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 9 p.m. due to continuous protests by opposition over farm laws.
Proceedings resumed in Lok Sabha. Members laid papers on table as opposition members continued sloganeering to repeal farm laws. The Speaker requested protesting members to voice their concerns when time will be allotted for the same. But the sloganeering went on with the same severity.
House adjourned till 7 p.m.
Following the first adjournment when the house reassembled at 4:30 PM, Mr. Chowdhury demanded that there should be a separate discussion on the Presidential address and the farmers' issue.
Speaker Om Birla said the members should maintain the dignity of the House and return to the seats. He said that sufficient time and opportunity would be given to them to express their views.
Mr. Birla urged AAP leader Bhagwant Mann to go to his seat if he wants a discussion and warned him of action.
But the opposition members refused to relent forcing him to adjourn the proceedings again till 5 PM. - PTI
Lok Sabha adjourned till 4.30 p.m. due to members' sloganeering over farm laws.
Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tried to raise the issue of farmers' agitation, saying that the matter is maligning the image of the country. "We are concerned," he said.
Urging members to return to their seats, Speaker Om Birla said they should maintain the dignity of the House or else he will have to take disciplinary actions against those who violate norms.
He said the Question Hour is important and it should go on.
But opposition members refused to relent. - PTI
CPI-M MP Elamaram Kareem says, "I am sorry I cannot support this thanksgiving motion. Our economy has fallen, people of our nation are suffering. We have a government that has nothing to offer to wipe the tears of common people. Communal agenda benefit few corporates. Braving the cold, lakhs of farmers gathered in different borders of Delhi and are continuing their peaceful protest. More than 500 farmer unions opposed the laws. The laws were passed without taking into confidence the Opposition parties. Government not ready to concede even if 150 farmers died.
Electricity and water supply at protest site are being disconnected by the government. BJP governments have intensified attack against journalists speaking the truth. Since Jan 30, nine journalists have been charged with sedition. Reputed senior journalists and MP like Shashi Tharoor have been slapped with cases for tweets. Contrary to all propaganda, the reality is GDP contraction continues, -7.7% contraction for 2020-21."
Rajya Sabha adjourns till 9 am tomorrow.
JDU MP Ram Chandra Prasad Singh says, "Bihar government abolished APMC and look at the result now. Record production and procurement now. Corn production has increased 135% since 2005. How did this happen? Do not confuse people."
"Now farmers can sell their product anywhere, the vegetables grown in Bihar are now being sold in West Bengal. Contract is not enforced, you have to be willing. If he gets benefits, he will enter into a contract."
"The three Bills are not against farmers but if you think there is scope of improvement it is fine. The government is calling you for a dialogue. Discussions are to be done on how to increase farmers income. In the U.S., Capitol hill was attacked, we are only in 75th year of Independence. People accept electoral results. Our democracy is being strengthened. Debate how farmers can be benefited and country can prosper."
You were worrying about Bihar, the mortality rate in Bihar due to Corona is 0.5%.
The fear of farmers becoming landless is real, says Ram Gopal Yadav
SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav says the health budget was increased by adding the budget of ministries of drinking water and sanitation. "Research has been done by ICMR and profit is being given to Bharat Biotech? Ye hawa mein gaanthe baandh rahe hain (they are tying knots in the air). Many farmers have assembled at Delhi's border, many farmers have died of cold and starvation... Government is so heartless that it does not affect them. If you can agree to stay the laws for 1.5 years, then what is your objection to repeal the laws, bring new legislation, send them to standing committee and then pass them," he says.
"They have built concrete walls, nails were placed on road, the kind of security that even parliament does not have, has been done at Ghazipur border. President of India cannot say a word or two against the prepared text you give him. You make everyone listen to your mann ki baat . You say you brought this law for farmers, farmers say we do not want it, why are you imposing the laws on farmers? Before the ordinance, the rate of corn was ₹2200/quintal, after the ordinance it came down to ₹1100/quintal. MSP is ₹2660/ quintal for high quality. Administration said we cannot buy the corn."
Mr. Yadav says that the situation in Bihar is more worrisome. "Getting MSP is out of question now. Some private people knew that such laws are going to come, a big business house in Madhya Pradesh built large storage house four years ago, how did he know? The mandis belong to those who own private airports. Lucknow airport has a big board: Adani. Farmers know the truth that they will be forced to sell at rates dictated by the private market. The fear of farmers is real. The contract farming bill amounts to a big fraud — in Chattisgarh many people were cheated. You did not make any provision in the Bill that no one can buy below MSP in either private or government mandi."
"The farms will be taken on contract for 25 years, the fear of farmers becoming is real. There is no other way than repealing the three farm laws."
"Big storage houses are being built for limitless hoarding by whom? People will starve but godowns will be full of grains as we saw during the Bengal famine. You alleged that Opposition misled the farmers. Something as clear as sun rays should not be politicised. You say this for everything."
"In Delhi, Shahadra police brought steel lathis, Delhi Police had to clarify that they did not know about the move and had to withdraw. Did you ever use this against enemies at the border? Are farmers who feed the country your enemy? Jawans who guard the borders are sons of these very farmers. They do not belong to few families for whom you are working."
"Farmers are not influenced by any political party, they have made clear that their stage cannot be used for political speeches. In this pandemic only agriculture helped GDP, farming is 20% of GDP, it saved the country. People who have died in these protests should get ₹20 lakh compensation and their children should get government jobs. They believe that grains could be imported, but for how long? Why don't you convince the farmers?," asks Mr. Yadav.
TRS MP K. Keshava Rao responds to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
"We have started this Parliament session without thinking of vaccinating the members who interact with so many people," he says.
He appreciates the Union Budget as on that combined health and well being.
"The real burning issue in the country is the farmers issue right now. If only we can be little more democratic, accommodative, and liberal in approach... things would not have come to this pass. The members should not have protested in the well (when the farm laws were passed last session)," he says.
"Both the farmers and the government and talking and deliberating," he says, adding that we are all here today because of farmers.
"Jai jawan jai kisan is sacrosanct. They have passed the laws, but today we must find a way out. Government has responded that they will talk. Now they should address why MSP assurance should not go in the book of law. If they agree, it should be done. My suggestion is it would be best we think of some method where this entire issue is brought back to Parliament and re-discussed. Whatever amendments they want, if they are reasonable and rational, it can be included. Some mechanism has to be devised. I am not going into their demand to repeal the law. Instead of SC dictating to us, we should find a way," says Mr. Rao.
"This law is unconstitutional because it is a State subject. For instance, we in Telengana decided a week ago that market committees will continue and MSP will continue. Issues like this should be best left to the States," he says. He says that fixing MSP is best left to States as they know the soil conditions and agricultural norms best.
Tiruchi Siva objects to how farm laws were passed
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva continues his response to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
Mr. Siva says that draconian laws such as UAPA is being misused against protesting farmers.
"In the last year, 35 Bills were passed and made into laws. Many of them were used to usurp the powers of States. The implementation of an unplanned lockdown resulted in migrants walking miles in a way that is reminiscent of Partition. Meanwhile, textbooks are being rewritten," he adds.
"During the regime of this government, the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are becoming richer," he says.
Mr. Siva also addresses the way in which the farm Bills were passed in the Houses, which prompts sharp responses from the other members and the Chair.
"The way the farm laws bills were passed last session... the time left was only less than 3.5 hours for discussion of farm laws. First these bills were promulgated as ordinance, then brought as Bills," he says.
Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu interjects, and stresses that all process was followed, and all parties were allotted time to debate the laws.
"As a chair, I have gone through records. Thirty five speakers of different political parties exhausted their time. Two parties did not speak, and I cannot force them. The man who sought division was not in his seat, so it was not followed. Everything was done legally," says Mr. Naidu.
Mr. Siva responds that the House was not in order when the Bills were passed.
"We had suggested that the Bills be sent to selective committee. Farmers could have been deposed," he says, adding that hundreds of farmers have died.
"The government should have a humanitarian approach," says Mr. Siva, urging the government to repeal the laws.
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva responds to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. He speaks on the imposition of Hindi, suspension of MPLAD funds, CAA and NEP, among other things.
"The intolerable miseries the people have come across in these six years has to be discussed," begins Mr. Siva. "The middle class is suffering due to unprecedented hike in diesel and petrol prices. Subsidy of LPG has been cut. Hike in prices of drugs, railway tax, depreciation in rupee value, demonetisation (which took many lives and gave a blow to MSME sector), the hasty implementation of GST, denial of GST compensation to States, the delay in ex-serviceman pension, the withdrawal of scheme that provides free power to farmers, the delay in implementation of MGNREGA, the decline in GDP, the contraction of GDP, and the disinvestment of profit-making LIC are some of the grave issues. Agriculture and PSUs sectors have been affected, and PSUs are being sold out. By way of suspending MPLAD funds of around ₹8,000 crore even while every SMART city is getting thousand of crores. The government should appoint a monitoring committee to see how the Smart City is being implemented," says Mr. Siva.
Mr. Siva also speaks on imposition of Hindi in all possible ways by this government, the loss of jobs, the increase in unemployment, the unrest and withdrawal of fundamental rights in Jammu and Kashmir. The CAA is being implemented without addressing concerns on it. The anti-minority stand of this government is very loud and clear. As for NEET, many students have been affected by its implementation. The State assembly of Tamil Nadu has unanimously passed that NEET not be implemented in TN, however the other party walked out when I proposed a Bill to oppose NEET," he says.
Brief ruckus as AIADMK MP tries to contradict Mr. Siva's points on NEET implementation.
BJD MP from Odisha Prasanna Acharya continues with his response to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
"Odisha has been hit by natural calamities 129 times recently, and we are brave to face it. The cyclone of 1999 devastated Odisha, and so we have been demanding special status for the last decade. At least accord a special package for Odisha," he says.
On women's reservation
"When half of population is women, their representation in parliamentary democracy is only 14%," says Mr. Acharya, bringing up the issue of the women's reservation Bill.
"Even in Muslim-majority countries which are considered to be conservative, like Sudan, Pakistan, have more women representation than India. For instance, Saudi Arabia has 20% while Bangladesh has 27% women representation. The government should come forward. Why the hesitancy to bring women reservation bill?" he asks.
Write a provision for MSP in farm laws, says Prasanna Acharya
BJD MP from Odisha Prasanna Acharya continues with his response to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
"Kalinga war turned Ashoka in dharma Ashoka and from there he accepted Buddhism, from that land Naveen Patnaik has given call of non-violence," he says.
"No Indian can appreciate what happened on January 26. Putting the whole blame squarely on few farmer leaders isn't appropriate. A proper enquiry under a Supreme Court judge should be constituted to find out who was behind this, and how thousands of people were allowed in Red Fort," says Mr. Acharya.
"What was the role of police, government or farmers leaders in this? asks Mr. Acharya, saying that it was the most unfortunate incident after Independence.
"One of the main demands from farmers is regarding the MSP. The government is verbally assuring farmers that MSP will be continued. But if government is prepared to give a verbal assurance, why not write two lines in the law itself," he asks, adding that it is a different question how government defines MSP.
"We dispute that government's claim that it has implemented Swaminathan Committee report's recommendations," he says.
Mr. Acharya says that he would like to know from the government how much the farmers' income has increased from 2014-15 to 2021.
He adds that the demand of the Opposition has been vindicated by the SC ruling even though there are a thousand question marks on the composition of the proposed Supreme Court committee.
All parties should imbibe the spirit of ahimsa , says Prasanna Acharya
BJD MP from Odisha Prasanna Acharya says all parties should imbibe Mahatma Gandhi's principle of ahimsa .
"The first Constitutional Amendment was made back when President used to address the joint sitting of both the Houses. I want to thank the President, but it was not an inspirational speech. It was a record of what the government did in the past one year," he says.
"Last year we celebrated Mahatma's 150th birth anniversary. Ahimsa was his weapon, unfortunately many parts of the country have erupted in violence in the last couple of years. I don't blame the government or Opposition, but we have to create an atmosphere and mindset for ahimsa . My party BJD has been appealing to all national leaders for the last two years to incorporate the theory of Gandhi's ahimsa in the preamble to the Constitution," he says.
I appeal to this government to ponder over the propoal given by Naveen Patnaik, says Mr. Acharya.
Appreciate PM for swift action on TN's Cauvery delta issue, says Navaneethakrishnan
AIADMK MP from Tamil Nadu A. Navaneethakrishnan begins by thanking the Centre for approving the notification of Protected Special Agricultural Zone in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta.
"I want to place my gratitude to the Prime Minister. Last year in January, at the all-party meeting, I made a request regarding the apprehensions of the farmers of Cauvery delta. Immediately, the PM noted it and gave instructions to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi. We had a meeting, and as no objection came from the Environment Ministry, in February 2020, the Act came into existence," he says.
He adds that even though 15 Members of Parliament are from Cauvery delta, no government had taken any steps to protect the Cauvery delta farmers so far.
"But our PM and CM have taken steps on behalf of farmers of Cauvery delta. I want to place on record the gratitude of Cauvery farmers," he says.
He also praises PM Modi's handling of the coronavirus pandemic in India.
Law and order was 100 times better when J&K was a State, says Azad
Leader of Opposition Gulam Nabi Azad speaks about the situation in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.
"I never heard Atal Bihari Vajpayee or any BJP leader who ever demanded that Jammu and Kashmir should be split into two. There was a demand for UT in only one district of Ladakh (Leh), not Kargil," he says.
He congratulates the government on conducting DDC elections in Jammu and Kashmir, but adds that law and order was 100 times better when Jammu and Kashmir was a State.
"Developmental works were 100 times better when there was a State government, even when it was BJP-PDP government," he adds.
Tourism and education have been finished, says Mr. Azad.
"Tourists don't visit the place much now, and the ones that do frequent just the luxury hotels, and rarely interact with locals. How can any local benefit from it?" he asks.
"As for education, the internet connection is often cut off, and even when available, it is 2G. In the age of 4G connectivity, how can we do anything with 2G? This is affecting the education of students, especially during this pandemic," says Mr. Azad.
"Indira Gandhi taught us that we can't fight on so many fronts. People in Ladakh, Jammu are not happy that anyone can buy their land or get jobs. No one is happy in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh," he tells the PM. "We have to take our people in confidence and give them love."
He asks PM to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
We are with you when it comes to fighting China and Pak, but why fight the farmers, asks Gulam Nabi Azad
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Gulam Nabi Azad recollects how the Congress government had interacted with farmers' demands when they were in power.
"Farmers are ours, not of the Congress, but of you and all of us," Mr. Azad tell the Prime Minister.
"We are with you when it comes to fighting against China and Pakistan. But why fight the farmers," he asks.
He requests the government to take back to the three farm Acts, to form a committee to look for the people who went missing on January 26.
"We condemn whatever happened at Red Fort on January 26. Those involved should be given strict punishment. But those who are innocent, should not be implicated with false cases," says Mr. Azad.
"How can a person who has been MoS External Affairs and represented India all over the world be a traitor of the state," he asks, referring to the sedition case filed against Shashi Tharoor .
Q/A submitted to the Rajya Sabha
On farmers' protests
Ministry of Home Affairs has informed Rajya Sabha that the Delhi Police has said that Ghazipur, Chilla,Tikri and Singhu borders are blocked by agitating farmers, and is causing inconvenience to the residents of Delhi and neighbouring States. In any agitation, the financial loss is incurred by people and governments, says MHA.
On illegal Rohingya immigrants
As per reports, illegal Rohingya immigrants are presently staying in India mostly in the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka and Kerala. Since illegal immigrants enter into the country without valid travel documents in clandestine and surreptitious manner, there is no accurate data regarding number of such migrants living in the country, says MHA.
On house arrests in Kashmir
Since August 1, 2019, 613 persons including separatists, over ground workers, stone pelters etc. were detained at various points of time. Out of these, based on regular review and ground situation, 430 persons have been released till date.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has further reported that no person is under house arrest in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir: MHA in Rajya Sabha
We can't reach any decision by fighting with farmers, says Gulam Nabi Azad
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad starts discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's Address.
He says he will focus on two aspects of the address — farmers and Jammu & Kashmir. He says he is happy that the Prime Minister is in the House when he is discussing these topics.
"Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan has been the slogan of our party, as said by late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The slogan is as necessary today as it was then," says Mr. Azad.
He says that both farmers are soldiers work in the open, under chilling cold with snow for roof and walls, or in scorching heat. He pays tribute to the soldiers who died for the nation in Galwan Valley. He also pays tribute to those farmers who died while trying to make the government listen to their demands in the past months.
"The farmers' struggle has been going on for years. At one point, it was against feudalism" he says, adding, "we can't reach any decision by fighting with farmers."
Motion of Thanks on President's address moved and seconded.
There are 118 amendments to the motion, says Chairman, and moves them one by one.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends Rajya Sabha discussion on Motion of Thanks to President's address.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends Rajya Sabha proceedings on February 3, 2021
UP MP Tomar addresses criticism of farm laws
BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh Vijay Pal Singh Tomar says that the farm laws were passed after extensive deliberations.
"It has been said there was no consultation before the farm laws were enacted. There have been 12 expert committees in the past 2 decades on the farm reform laws," says Mr. Tomar.
He hits back against criticism that under these laws, MSP will be stopped or land will be seized, or mandis will be stopped. He says that new laws will help small farmers and agricultural sector.
NDA government has given more Budget for agriculture in one year than five years of UPA government, says Tomar.
Vijay Pal Singh Tomar seconds the Motion of Thanks on the President's address.
He goes on to describe the govenment's achievements in international scale, citing the sale of vaccines to neighbouring countries as an example of India's 'Vasudeva kudumbakam' policy.
Farm laws passed after extensive deliberation, says Kalita
Bhubaneswar Kalita says that some members of Opposition are trying raise the farm laws issue to disrupt the House proceedings.
He says that the laws were passed after extensive debate and deliberation in both Houses, and that the laws have benefitted more than 10 crore people. He says that the government is in touch with farmers' to address their concerns.
In a long-winded speech, MP Kalita said that all parties that are against the Citizenship Amendment Act will lose in Assam elections in 2021, and BJP alliance will return to power.
"PM Modi and Central government officials have visited Assam and northeastern States 40 times during his two terms. This is probably the first time any Prime Minister has paid so much attention to the northeast," says Mr. Kalita.
Bhubaneswar Kalita moves Motion of Thanks on President's Address.
"It is a speech full of achievements under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he says.
"The government is dedicated to strengthening the underprivileged sections of society. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in 100% and not less than that, like previous governments. Regardless of whether it is toilets or electricity, it has to be 100%," says Mr. Kalita.
This government believes in 100% implementation of its promises, says Mr. Kalita.
He claims that the economy has started recovering due to efforts taken by the government, and goes on to list ways in which the government's policies have helped members of his consitituency.
House reconvenes.
3 MPs escorted out of RS
Chairman tells the three MPs to withdraw, but they continue to raise slogans, thus disrupting proceedings in the House.
"Don't create a situation where I have to call the marshals and send you out," Chairman Naidu tells the MPs.
He repeats that the MPs can discuss farmers' issues in the discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's Address.
He asks marshals to "help them out" of the House.
Issue of sedition cases against journalists, politicians raised
Congress MP Digvijaya Singh raises issue of FIRs filed against politicians and journalists. He cites example of Shashi Tharoor, Rajdeep Sardesai, Mandeep Punia and Mrinal Pande, against who cases have been filed, including on charges of sedition.
He asks Home Minister to withdraw these cases.
Disruptions start as Chairman calls for discussion on Motion of Thanks for President's address. Chairman tells those disrupting that they are not doing anything good for farmers.
As members continue to raise slogans, Chairman uses rule 255 to ask Aam Aadmi Party MPs Sanjay Singh, Sushil Kumar Gupta and N.D. Gupta to withdraw from the House.
"They wanted a discussion and when it starts, they disrupt. Let the entire country see," says Mr. Naidu.
House adjourned till 9.40 a.m. as sloganeering continues.
BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao raises issue of attacks on Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh.
Around 140 such incidents noted so far, he says. He appeals to the MHA to ask the State government for a report on the issue.
NCP MP Fauzia Khan says bureaucracts have huge workload and there is a need to increase the number of seats in civil services.
Congress MP Rajmani Patel says farmers are not getting the benefits of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
Attack on TN fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy "unacceptable", says Foreign Minister
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva raises issue of missing fishermen in Tamil Nadu. "They have been brutally attacked and killed," he says. "Fishermen in Tamil Nadu compelled to give up their profession due to harassment of Sri Lankan Navy. The Prime Minister should condemn this," says Mr. Siva.
AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai too throws his weight behind Mr. Siva. "235 fishermen from Tamil Nadu killed by Sri Lankan Navy till now," he says, adding that the issue should be addressed urgently.
Replying to the two MPs from Tamil Nadu, Chairman Naidu says that this is an ongoing issue. "Successive governments have been doing their best. The problem should be resolved once and for all," he says.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responds that the issues has been taken up with the Sri Lankan government, and that such incidents in general, and this incident in particular are unacceptable.
"This particular incident was particularly unacceptable and this has been made clear to them," says Mr. Jaishankar.
Zero Hour begins.
YSRCP MP Ayodhya Rami Reddy raises issue of cost overruns due to delay of projects.
5 hours allotted for discussion on farmers' issues
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that he has spoken to the Leader of Opposition and there is a consensus to give more time for discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address.
He says Question Hour can be suspended today, and Question Hour and Zero Hour tomorrow to take up discussion on the farm laws and farmers' protests.
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad says 18-19 Opposition parties decided that they want to discuss farmers' issue in the additional 5 hours allotted for discussion on President's address.
Chairman instructs Secretariat to allocate the additional time.
"Normally this is not done," says Mr. Naidu, referring to suspension of Question Hour and Zero Hour, adding, "but there is a specific request and broad consensus, hence I am allowing it.
Reports of Department-related Standing Committees on Industry, Environment and Forest, and Transport, Tourism and Culture laid on table.
Reports of Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees on Finance and Labour laid on table.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu warns members against recording Parliament proceedings on mobile phones. "Some members are using their mobile phones to record proceedings. Such unauthorised recording and sharing on social media can lead to breach of privilege," he says.
Mr. Naidu warns members and the media not to use such recordings.
Lok Sabha
Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address
Rajya Sabha
Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address
Budget session of the Rajya Sabha rescheduled
The Budget session of the Rajya Sabha has been rescheduled and will conclude two days before schedule. The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu with the floor leaders of all the parties of the upper house.
The first part of the session will now conclude on February 13, with the House meeting on that Saturday, instead of February 15.
In the monsoon session of Parliament, too, the two houses had sat over the weekend. But in a loosening the COVID-19 protocol, this time, the weekend break for both the houses had been restored. The schedule, said sources, has been changed in accordance with the members’ request, as it gives the Standing Committees more time to peruse the Budget and come up with their reports before the start of the second part of the session.
