New Delhi, September 19: The eagerly anticipated five-day "Amrit Kaal" session of the Indian Parliament kicks off today. This remarkable gathering will witness Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha converging in the Central Hall. The primary objective is to commemorate India's parliamentary legacy and reaffirm the commitment to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.
Here are the ten key highlights of this momentous event:
- Inaugural Addresses: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the discussion on Monday, marking 75 years of India's parliament in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, Piyush Goyal, a senior leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will initiate proceedings in the Rajya Sabha.
- Central Hall Commemoration: On Tuesday at 11 am, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members will assemble in the Central Hall for a special function. This event will pay homage to the rich heritage of the Indian Parliament and pledge to propel Bharat into a developed nation by 2047. The gathering will be followed by a commemorative photo session.
- Transition to New Parliament Building: Following the Central Hall function on Tuesday, the parliamentary session will relocate to the newly constructed parliament building. This shift may also include a small religious ceremony, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Legislative Agenda: Several important bills are slated for discussion during this session, including the contentious Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, the Post Office Bill, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill.
- Flag Hoisting at the New Building: On a prior note, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, unfurled the national flag at the new parliament building. The ceremony was graced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
- Notable Absences: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge were conspicuously absent from the flag-hoisting ceremony. The Prime Minister's absence was due to prior commitments, as he celebrated his 73rd birthday. Mr. Kharge and other Congress leaders were engaged in a session of the Working Committee, the party's highest decision-making body, in Hyderabad.
- Women's Reservation Bill Advocacy: During an all-party meeting held in the evening, several regional parties, including Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal and K Chandrasekhar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi, advocated for the tabling of the women's reservation bill, highlighting its significance.
- Speculation Ends: Earlier this week, the government finally disclosed the session's agenda, putting an end to prolonged speculation about potential issues such as changing the country's name or implementing "One Nation One Election." The government defended its stance, asserting that there is no tradition of pre-announcing the agenda for a special session, a contention hotly disputed by the Opposition.
- Opposition's Critique: Opposition leaders have described the special session as a "diversionary tactic" by the BJP and emphasized the need to prioritize pressing issues. Sonia Gandhi, President of the Congress party, had previously written to PM Modi, listing nine critical topics for discussion during the special session, which included the situation in Manipur and the ongoing wrestlers' protest.
- Historical Parallel: It is worth noting that a special session of the parliament was convened when India marked its 50th year of independence. On 15 August 1997, a midnight session was held, underlining the significance of this milestone in India's democratic journey.
The "Amrit Kaal" session of the Indian Parliament holds immense historical and political significance as it marks 75 years of India's democratic journey. Over the next five days, discussions, deliberations, and legislative actions will shape the nation's path towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, echoing the aspirations of millions of Indians.
- With inputs from agencies
