Monsoon Session Day 13: Delhi Services Bill to be moved in RS, Data Protection Bill likely to be passed in Lok Sabha
New Delhi, August 7: On Monday, the Parliament is set to witness a tense standoff between the Treasury and Opposition Benches as the government endeavors to pass the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition had vehemently opposed the bill when it was introduced last week.
The Rajya Sabha's listed legislative business for the day includes the consideration and passage of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which will be moved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This bill was already cleared in the Lok Sabha after the Opposition staged a walkout.
In the Rajya Sabha, there are currently 237 seats, with 8 vacancies, making the majority mark to pass the bill 119. The AAP, along with support from parties like the Congress, YSRCP, and BJD, has a combined strength of 107 seats. With the support of NDA's 112 seats, along with BJD's 9, YSRCP's 9, and TDP's 1, the total strength for the bill stands at 131, securing its passage in the Upper House.
Earlier, on August 3, the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha by a voice vote after the I.N.D.I.A alliance members walked out. The bill grants the Central Government the authority to make rules concerning the affairs of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including the functions and terms of service of officers and employees.
Apart from this, Amit Shah will also move for consideration and passage of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile, in the Lok Sabha, the Congress is expected to raise the issue of reinstating Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha membership following the Supreme Court's verdict in the 'Modi surname remark case.' The Supreme Court stayed Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a criminal defamation case, and a copy of the order was handed over to the Lok Sabha Secretariat. The Congress expressed disappointment over the delay in reinstating Gandhi, as they want him to participate in the upcoming no-confidence motion against the Modi government starting on August 8.
In the Lok Sabha today, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will move the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, with amendments made on August 4. The bill aims to provide a framework for the processing of digital personal data, taking into account individuals' right to protect their data while allowing lawful processing for various purposes.
Furthermore, Union Minister Jitendra Singh will move 'The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023,' which seeks to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in various fields.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will introduce The Mediation Bill, 2023, which aims to facilitate mediation, especially institutional mediation, for resolving disputes.
In addition, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will move The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in Lok Sabha.
In response to various issues, several notices have been given in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP Manish Tewari has given an Adjournment Motion Notice demanding a discussion on the border situation with China. Congress MP Manickam Tagore has given a Motion Notice to discuss the "misuse of probe agencies by the Government and to direct the Government to stop such an attitude immediately."
In the Rajya Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sandeep Pathak has given notice to oppose the consideration and passage of 'The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023' under Rule 66 and 67 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States.
Meanwhile, RJD MP Manoj Jha has moved a suspension of business notice seeking a discussion on the situation in Manipur. The Opposition has been demanding a comprehensive discussion on the Manipur ethnic violence issue since the Monsoon Session began on July 20, leading to a logjam in the Rajya Sabha.
- ANI
