The Lok Sabha commenced proceedings with Opposition uproar over the India-China border clash. The Speaker adjourned the House and reconvened at 12 p.m. but the Opposition protests continued as the demand for the discussion on India-China clasesh was refused again. Several members of the Opposition walked out in protest.
The Lower House then resumed discussion on the issue of drug menace in the country, which saw a heated exchange between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. Mr. Shah also listed the steps taken by the central government for the prevention of drug abuse and reiterated the Centre’s commitment towards a zero-tolerance policy towards the issue and added that those found involved in trafficking will not be spared.
Union Tribal Minister Arjun Munda moved the Bill to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 to modify the list of Scheduled Tribes in the State of Chhattisgarh. The House passed the Bill after discussion and reply by the Minister.
In Rajya Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to concerns expressed by more than 40 members regarding Appropriation Bills 4 and 5. She said that the supplementary demand for grants was for food security and for fertilizers. The items were all in the direction of ensuring that the Indian economy, the farmers and the poor were given the necessary support, she said. The Upper House then took up The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, 2022, for consideration and passing. The Bill was passed after a detailed discussion and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s reply.
Both Houses were in uproar and witnessed multiple disruptions on Tuesday over Congress leaders’ statements. Chaos ensued as the Opposition persisted with their demand for a discussion on various issues including the situation between India and China along the border. In the Rajya Sabha, MPs concluded the debate on the Appropriation Bills. The Finance Minister’s reply is expected today. Meanwhile, the Winter Session is likely to conclude on December 23, a week ahead of schedule. The session began on December 7.
Explained | What’s on agenda for the 2022 Winter Session of Parliament?
To get a rundown of the day’s developments in Parliament in your inbox, subscribe to our Parliament Watch newsletter here.
Lok Sabha adjourns for the day
Lok Sabha adjourns for the day, to reconvene on Thursday, December 22 at 11 A.M. Calling for the conclusion, Speaker Om Birla stated he would try and accommodate members to raise their issues tomorrow during the Zero Hour.
Rajya Sabha adjourns for the day
The Rajya Sabha adjourns for the day after hearing Special Mentions. The House will commence proceedings at 11 a.m. on Thursday (December 22).
House is taking up matters of urgent public importance adhering to regulations of the Zero Hour
Lok Sabha passes the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill
Replying to the debate, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda accused the opposition of being unable to implement the Lokur Committee (1965) recommendations. He added that the opposition govt when in power was detached from the welfare of tribal people, the minister elaborated his case stating that the Ministry for Tribal Affairs was carved only in 1999- 52 years after independence.
Mr Munda also accused the opposition of engaging in vote bank politics with the tribal people, adding the present government was sensitive to their needs and would put forth more such pending applications for inclusion in the future.
Rajya Sabha passes The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, 2022
Rajya Sabha passes The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, 2022, by a voice vote. Previously, the Bill also passed a clause-by-clause consideration by the Upper House. The House now moves on to hear Special Mentions.
Union Minister Arjun Munda replies to discussion on The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022
EAM Jaishankar replies to discussion on The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill
S Jaishankar replies to the discussion on The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, 2022. On members saying that the mention of aircraft in the bill was unnecessary, the Minister says that the Bill contains reference to seaplanes and other aircrafts and the possibility of seaplance piracy. About capital punishment, the Minister says in such cases, an assurance will be given to countries that have outlawed capital punishment, if they seek an assurance that death penalty should not be imposed. The provision only allows for the punishment to be imposed if the occassion arises.
On clarifications about designated courts, he says that there are already designated courts such as the PMLA and NIA courts that have been constituted in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the same precedent has been followed in the Bill.
To Jawhar Sircar’s question on the applicability of the law, “It is applicable to any ship in the jurisdiction where piracy is committed and where the authorised personnel from India have taken action.” He also says that the Bill is “very clear” about who the authorised personnel are. He says that only the authorised personnel could execute the provisions of the bill and the jurisdiction of the Bill is also clearly defined., there
“Between 2008 and 2011, there have been 27 incidents in which Indians, Indian crew members were involved. 288 Indian nationals were involved in these 27 incidents. Between 2014 and 2022, 155 Indian crew members were involved in 19 cases,” he says.
The number of incidents of piracy has come down because of more stronger international cooperation, he says. The law makes India a more credible international partner to keep piracy in check.
Regarding death penalties, he says that while some members may be against the punishment, there are other members who are of the view that the provision for the death penalty is a deterrent against causing deaths. He concludes by saying that the Bill will also be applicable to the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).
Discussion continues on The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022
MP from Puri (Odisha) Pinaki Mishra suggested that the government must look to adopt a more holistic and broad-based approach for inclusion of scheduled tribes. Referring to previous suggestions by the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, he stated the methodology and modality for inclusion of Scheduled Tribes in outdated for the times. Mr Mishra stated that the present generation from the communities have excelled at par with other communities and thus must be seen from that prism.
He added that the government consider carving a fresh quadripartite committee inclusive of the Minister for Tribal Affairs, anthropologists and the Registrar-General of India to look into the suggestion.
MP from Anantanag, Hasnain Masoodi reiterated that the treasury considers tabling a consolidated bill than in parts provided there is no impediment to this. He asked if the endeavour was indeed to send out certain specific signals by virtue of separate bills.
On similar lines, Leader of the Opposition Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury remarked that the house is experiencing “Arjun-raj”, adding that the Union Minister has never before tabled so many bills for consideration. As for the latest amendments, he stated the UPA government had made the recommendation back in 2005.
He also demanded that Kurmi community from West Bengal be included into the Scheduled Tribes list.
Mr Chowdhury also accused the ruling-BJP of being against reservation. He sought that if the party is up for the upliftment of the tribal community, it could have instituted Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda as the Union Home minister.
Rajya Sabha takes up The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, 2022
The Rajya Sabha now takes up The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, 2022, for consideration and passing. Lok Sabha passed the bill on December 19, 2022.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, introducing the bill, says that 14 out of 18 recommendations of the Standing Committee on External Affairs have been incorporated, three other recommendations were only observations and have been duly noted and one recommendation related to defining the roles of various departments for the establishment of a coordination mechanism. He also says several inter-ministerial consultations were conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the Bill.
Vivek K. Tankha of the Congress, during the discussion on the Bill, points out to the possibility of contradictions arising between the jurisdictions of two countries over capital punishment to offences. He says many other countries do not accept capital punishment.
Trinamool Congress MP Jawhar Sircar asks the External Affairs Minister to clarify if the law would be applicable only to Indian ships or would also apply to any ships in which Indian goods of high value are involved. He also asks the Minister to provide statistics on the number of Indians captured, number of Indian ships rescued, the value of goods to understand the seriousness of the issue, compared to a decade ago.
FM Sitharaman says government working on ‘overall revival’ of BSNL
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says that in 2019, the Cabinet approval for the revival of BSNL was Rs. 54,021 crore and in 2022, Rs. 1,23,757 crore has been approved for BSNL and asserts that the Centre is taking care of the “overall revival” of the company. She is speaking on the discussion on the The Appropriation (No. 5) Bill, 2022 and The Appropriation (No. 4) Bill, 2022 for consideration and return.
Congress MP P. Chidambaram says that he personally considers it a “good idea” to merge BSNL with MTNL. He also seeks a clarification from the Finance Minister if, after spending the stipulated amount of “public money” on BSNL, will it remain in the public sector and compete with the private sector.
Ms. Sitharaman, in reply, refers Mr. Chidambaram to the National Public Sector Enterprises policy in the 2021-2022 budget, which she says identifies sectors in which the government will have a “minimum presence”.
Lok Sabha takes up Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill
Union Minister Arjun Munda has moved the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 for consideration of the Lok Sabha. The Bill amends the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 to modify the list of Scheduled Tribes in the State of Chhattisgarh.
The bill seeks to recognise Bhuniya, Bhuiyan and Bhuyan communities as synonyms of Bharia Bhumia as well as three Devanagari versions of the name of the Pando community into entry five.
Further, it proposes to include Dhanuhar, Dhanuwar, Kisan, Saunra and Binjhia into the list alongside substituting communities with corresponding names as Kond, Kondh as Kondh in Entry 23.
Indira Gandhi misused Article 356 50 times: Finance Minister
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to MP John Brittas’ remarks calling the current government a “double engine” by calling the previous regimes a “trouble engine.”
She said that Article 356 was used in Kerala as well (where MP John Brittas is from) and that Indira Gandhi misused Article 356 50 times.
Responding to an allegation that these grants were for the corporates and not for the Aam Admi, she said that the BJP worked on a “development for all, appeasement for none” policy.
We are an island of hope for global economy: Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says that India’s macro fiscal parameters are better now than in 2013, quoting from World Bank reports.
She says that international organizations have called India an “island of hope” for the global economy. The way we have handled during the pandemic has kept us away from recession, she says.
She also says that there is an unprecedented increase in budget for farmer welfare schemes. Institutional support is also being provided to fisherman and animal husbandry, she says. The Minister also points out that fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at one and a half times the cost of production is also for the benefit of the farmers.
‘Dirty’ drug money spoils economy: Amit Shah
Saying that ‘dirty money’ through drug trade was spoiling the economy, Amit Shah listed measures taken by the Centre in association with States to curb the menace of drugs in the country. He requested States and UTs to set up Narco Coordination Center (NCORD) committees to improve coordination between the central and state agencies in combating drug trafficking.
“In two years, the situation is going to change and those involved in drug trade will be behind bars,” the minister said.
Discussion on drug abuse has concluded.
All for supporting Indian economy: Nirmala Sitharaman replies to discussion about Appropriation Bills
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replies to concerns expressed by more than 40 members regarding Appropriation Bills 4 and 5.
She highlights that the demand is greater since this is post an international situation. The forecast was that the COVID-19 pandemic was winding down, but situations have developed after the war, she point out.
The Minister says that the supplementary demand for grants is for food security and for fertilizers. The items are all in the direction of ensuring that the Indian economy, the farmers and the poor are given the necessary support, she says
She addresses concerns raised by the former finance minister P. Chidambaram about where the government will raise 3.25 lakh crores, the amount of the supplementary grant, by saying that the Government of India is not changing its borrowing schedule. We are “very clear that we are going to see that the revenue we are generating is sufficient,” Ms. Sitharaman says.
Govt committed to make India free of drugs, says Amit Shah in Lok Sabha
Replying to the short-duration discussion on drug abuse in the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “This is indeed a serious issue that is set to destroy our generations. I want to assure Parliament that the Narendra Modi-led government has zero-tolerance towards drugs and narco-terrorism. We will leave no stone unturned to make India free of drugs. This fight against drugs is not that of Centre’s or State, but of all of need to put multi-pronged efforts for desired results.”
“Shutting down trade with other countries is not a solution. There were many suggestions in the House and I want to clarify that those who consume drugs are victims. The society has to show compassion. But those who are involved in drug trade should not be spared. Law should take its course,” the Home Minister added.
House resumes proceedings, resolution moved by MoS Finance
On behalf of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Pankaj Choudhary moves resolutions to approve a notification amending the eighth schedule to the Finance Act 2002, revising excise duty on aviation turbine fuel and another amending the second schedule of the Customs Tariff Act, levying export duty on some types of rice.
Members protest Piyush Goyal’s remarks about Bihar, raising it as a point of order request. Chair refuses to allow the discussion and puts the two statutory resolutions moved earlier to vote.
Both are passed with unanimity
Union Minister Amit Shah addresses Lok Sabha
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is replying to the discussion on the menace of drug abuse in the country and steps taken by the Centre.
Drug abuse: TMC’s Sougata Ray demands answers from Centre
Participating in the discussion on the drug menace in the country, TMC MP Sougata Ray asked, “Is the Home Minister thinking of capital punishment? Why is Gujarat, especially Mundra port, revealing so many drug seizures? What is the government doing about drones which are carrying drugs over the border in Punjab? All these dealings are through the dark web and cryptocurrency. What is the government doing it?”
House adjourns till 2 p.m.
Question Hour concludes and the House is adjourned for lunch.
Why were the Bilkis Bano rapists released: INC MP Imran Pratapgarhi
INC MP Imran Pratapgarhi points out that according to NCREB statistics, 80% of those in jail are undertrial prisoners. He also questions how the Bilkis Bano rapists were released. In his reply, the Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar said the question of jails is a State subject and indicated that this was according to the guidelines.
Education is at 4.64 % of the GDP: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
During a discussion about education in the Upper House, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the current national spending on education is at 4.64% of the GDP.
In reply to another question, he highlighted that education is on the concurrent list, so if States also spend on education, the Centre is willing to cooperate with them.
Heated exchanges between Amit Shah and Gaurav Gogoi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi were engaged in a heated exchange after the Congress leader accused the government of using surveillance tool called Pegasus to track journalists and politicians.
“Where are drugs coming from? How have you stepped up surveillance at airport, sea and land borders? How have you equipped the personnel to manage drug abuse in the country? How is the Centre using intelligence? You use Pegasus on our [Opposition leaders] phones, on journalists. The government should tell Parliament how many narcotic cases have been solved and mafias caught.
Taking strong exception to Mr. Gogoi’s remarks, Home Minister Amit Shah said the MP had levelled a serious allegation. “He has to submit proof. This is Parliament and should be used for constructive debate with proof, not for baseless allegations.”
“The government should prove that it doesn’t use it,” the Congress MP replied.
Discussion on drug abuse continues
A short-duration discussion on the drug-abuse problem in India and steps taken by the government to control it is underway in the Lok Sabha.
India-China border clash once again echoes in Lower House; Opposition walks out
Minutes after the Lok Sabha resumed proceedings with a short-duration discussion on drug abuse, the Opposition staged a walk out as the Speaker rejected the demand to hold a discussion on the situation along with border with China.
Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury addressed the Speaker: “The Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the India-China issue since the start of the Winter Session. Surprisingly, Parliament is not discussing the issue when everyone outside is. This is our right. Allow us to hold a discussion.”
Why did West Bengal not get any MNREGA funds: AITC MP Jawhar Sircar
MP Jawhar Sircar asks why West Bengal did not get any money under the MNREGA scheme. Why is it being reduced from Rs. 1,17,000 crores, he asks. The Minister of State for Rural Development Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti says that money has been given and that this can be verified.
Members object to her remarks, with Mr. Sircar calling them “one-sided and political.”
TDP MP K Ravindra Kumar asks whether MNREGA complaints related to Andhra Pradesh have been addressed. The Minister answers that if there are any delays, information will be provided to the State.
Proceedings resume in Lok Sabha
Question Hour commences in the Upper House
Chennai airport should be at same level as Delhi, Mumbai: DMK MP P Wilson
DMK MP P Wilson says that Tamil Nadu’s airports need to be improved for the benefit of trade and development. Saying that airports are drivers of economic growth, he expresses his belief that Chennai’s airport should be at the same level as Mumbai and Delhi. Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore airports also need to be improved, he says, highlighting that conditions at Madurai airport were hampering export and import from the airport.
Further, of 5 airports under the UDAAN scheme, only Salem airport has started operations, Mr. Wilson says. He urges the civil aviation minister to take steps in this regard and that funds be disbursed for the improvement of these airports.
27 per cent of differentially abled students never attend school: DMK MP Tiruchi Siva
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva raises the issue of quality of education for differently abled students. The Right to Education sets aside 25% of seats for EWS and differentially abled students, but more needs to be done, he says.
The Member points out that the country has 78,64,000 disabled children, of which 27% have never attended an educational institution. Teachers are required to hold B.Ed Special Education and receive a licence from the Rehabilitation Council of India to teach differentially-abled children, but there is no vigilance, he says.
Mr. Siva urges the minister to improve education policies to employ more specially trained teachers to teach differently abled students, with interest on both the students and the teachers. He also asks that the payscale of contract teachers in this field be revised to be in line with mainstream teachers.
Motion moved to nominate members to Committee on Welfare of OBCs
On behalf of MP V Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghawal moves that the house concurs with the Lok Sabha’s recommendation to nominate ex-Rajya Sabha member Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad to associate with the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and also appoint another member to the committee.
The motion is passed with no dissent.
Uproar as proceedings resume, Lok Sabha adjourned till noon
Chaos ensued in the Lower House as proceedings resume on Wednesday morning. Amid uproar by the Opposition, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. The House will meet at 12 p.m.
Rajya Sabha commences proceedings for the day
The Upper House commences its day’s work with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar presiding. Members proceed with the laying of papers on the table of the House.
Sonia Gandhi, Opposition leaders protest in Parliament
Congress MP Sonia Gandhi and other Opposition leaders protest in front of the Gandhi statue inside the Parliament premises, demanding a discussion on the India-China faceoff at Tawang. The Congress also held a parliamentary party meeting earlier today.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly invited like-minded opposition leaders to join the protest in front of the Gandhi statue. Joint Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the India-China border situation and the latest Chinese transgressions since the Winter Session began.
What’s on the agenda in Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha shall commence with the usual laying of papers and reports on the table of the House, as also statements about the status of the implementation of recommendations from Parliamentary Standing Committees.
MP V Muraleedharan is expected to move that the house concurs with the Lok Sabha’s recommendation to nominate ex-Rajya Sabha member Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad to associate with the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and appoint another member to the committee as well.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to move resolutions to approve a notification amending the eighth schedule to the Finance Act 2002, revising excise duty on aviation turbine fuel and another amending the second schedule of the Customs Tariff Act, levying export duty on some types of rice.
Post Question Hour, Ms. Sitharaman is expected to reply to yesterday’s discussion on Appropriation Bills 4 and 5.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to move that the Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, 2022 be considered and passes, while Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda will move that the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022 be taken up.
Chaos likely over India-China border clash
Congress MPs Manish Tewari and Manickam Tagore have given adjournment motion notices in the Lok Sabha to discuss the border situation with China.
Legislative business in the Lok Sabha
Proceedings will begin with Question Hour, following which MPs will lay papers on the table of the House.
A short-duration discussion on the problem of drug abuse in the country will continue in the Lok Sabha. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will move the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022 for consideration and passing. Union Minister Arjun Munda will move amendments made by Rajya Sabha in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022.
